General News
25 April, 2024
Raising funds for mental health
In an attempt to spread awareness on the importance of mental health and having a supportive network, former Maryborough resident Luke Baker is riding from Albany, Western Australia to Bendigo in 26 days as a fundraiser for Lifeline Loddon Mallee...
In an attempt to spread awareness on the importance of mental health and having a supportive network, former Maryborough resident Luke Baker is riding from Albany, Western Australia to Bendigo in 26 days as a fundraiser for Lifeline Loddon Mallee.
The Pedalling for Hope campaign is a 3249 kilometre trip which starts on Friday, August 16, with each kilometre symbolising the number of deaths from suicide in Australia in 2022.
The former policeman will ride an average of 155 km a day to reach Bendigo on Tuesday, September 10, in time for World Suicide Prevention Day.
Mr Baker, who has dealt with depression, anxiety and PTSD, said his personal experiences motivated him to support people going through a crisis.
“After the floods in Rochester in 2022, I went down to help out and people were just shells of themselves from the shock of it all,” he said.
“After that I started to think what can I do to help people in terms of their mental health, because it shouldn’t take a tragic moment for something to be done or be front of mind.”
Mr Baker started by volunteering at community organisation Mr Perfect, where he helps organise monthly barbecues in Bendigo and Maryborough to reduce the stigma of men talking about their mental health.
Mr Baker said consistent support and friendship was vital in improving his mental wellbeing.
“I hit a pretty dark spot a few years ago and it was through having a support network and someone to talk to that is essentially the reason why I am still here,” he said.
“Seeing people return every month, new people turn up because of word of mouth, the growth in people’s confidence in the way they are interacting with others has been really heartwarming.
“For some people it is the only opportunity for them to get out of the house and enjoy the company of others which is so important.”
Proceeds from the Pedalling for Hope campaign will go to Lifeline Loddon Mallee, with nearly $1700 already being raised.
According to Mr Baker, Lifeline is a deserving recipient of the proceeds for all they do in the community.
“The service that they provide and the reach that they have makes them an amazing beneficiary,” he said.
“A key message for me is the number of suicides (3249) should not just be a number, it is someones mother, brother, father, sister, friend or loved one.
“They answer in excess of 15,000 calls from people who are in crisis every year, so anything I can do to help people in the community and Lifeline to support those loved ones is important to me.
“I really encourage anyone who can to donate to the cause because every $39 raised can answer one more call to someone in crisis, which can save a life.”
To find out more, or to donate to the campaign, visit the Pedalling for Hope Facebook page where you can find the mycause link.
If you or a loved one need support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1800 512 348 or webchat www.beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chat, or the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 or via webchat at kidshelpline.com.au