Ride aims to start a conversation

SUICIDE  had a higher death rate than the road toll, said Black Dog Ride Darwin Coordinator Jon Benham

Jon Benham & mate John Locke encourage riders to register for the annual Black Dog ride to be held later in March.

SUICIDE  had a higher death rate than the road toll, said Black Dog Ride Darwin Coordinator Jon Benham.

“Black Dog Ride’s mission is to get out to the regional communities and start the conversations which can prevent suicide,” Mr Benham said.

To help with this mission, the Black Dog Ride hosts an annual 1 Dayer event.

On Sunday, March 20, thousands of motorcycles will depart from 34 locations across Australia to start a ­national conversation about depression and suicide prevention.

Seven thousand motorcycle riders are expected to register for the event, and funds raised will benefit Black Dog Ride’s national suicide prevention projects and Mental Illness Fellowship Australia.

Since 2009, Black Dog Ride has raised more than $2.1 million in funds for mental health services.

Founder Steve Andrews, who lost his mother to suicide, said fostering awareness of depression and suicide prevention was the best catalyst for prevention.

The Black Dog Ride was ­established in 2009 and incorporated as a national charity in 2014. The 1 Dayer has raised more than $530,000 for Australian mental health services in five years.

Registrations are open now. For more information visit blackdogride.com.au