INTRODUCTION FROM FOUNDER PAUL OXBOROUGH
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Wow what a year this has been! we are so close to hitting our target of 500 mental health first aiders trained (see Karen's bit further down)
Other milestones:
- We have built our regional coordinator network (11 positions/regions filled)
- We have done over 150 face to face events.
- We have just completed another successful Motorcycle Live event involving 50 volunteers and developed some new and very interesting strategic partnerships.
- We have delivered mental health training and support to Norton Motorcycles
- We have just secured funding to train 100 mental health first aides in Wales
- We have been featured in 5 publications
Phew time for a rest!! It will soon be time to have a break over Xmas but before this a final celebration newsletter to acknowledge some of our awesome volunteers we have working with the charity. We hope you have a wonderful Xmas and remember if you need any support during the festive period we will be there for you.
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HOW TO COPE WITH CHRISTMAS
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This article from the Priory Group gives you a few tips to get though the Christmas period. For some of us this can be a difficult time, let's keep an eye on each other this Christmas - click here for article
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I NEEDED THIS MORE THAN I THOUGHT BY JANE BAILEY
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Back in November 2022, I volunteered for one day with my friend Louise Williamson. She was very passionate about MHM and devoted much of her spare time to working with them, selflessly giving them the gift of her considerable communication and administration skills. At the time, I had no clue about what I was letting myself in for, and didn’t know much about the charity, but I thoroughly enjoyed my day. Fast forward to November 2023, and I was on the stand again, this time a much larger stand which reflects how much the charity has grown in the last three years; from a small gazebo with a couple of camping tables around the edge of the hall in 2021, to a larger stand in 2022 and now in 2023 – well just wow! The stand was prominently located adjacent to the huge Kawasaki stand, and this year they even had a support vehicle for anyone needing a refuge from the crowds; anyone needing MHFA or just someone to talk to so they could know they were not alone.
This year though, there was one person missing – Louise. Shockingly, my friend had passed away after a short illness in September, and without going into too many details, I was feeling her loss. Simultaneous to losing such a lovely friend in such a cruel and unexpected way, I had experienced a family drama which was and is, still ongoing (but there’s light at the end of the tunnel I hope). If anyone needed MHFA it was me. I found my refuge and my solace working with the beautiful people on the stand during those two days. I didn’t really know it at the time, but it was just what I needed – to give something of myself to others distracted and helped to heal the pain I was feeling. Talking to the members of the team who felt Louise’s loss as keenly as me helped me come to terms with the fact that although she wasn’t there in body, she was still in my life in spirit. I felt her presence for those two days, I knew she was watching. She’d have loved the photograph (which of course, showed her best side), and the gorgeous poem written by Paul in tribute to her.
Despite my aching legs from standing for most of the day, and getting face ache from remembering to smile (I think my face naturally falls into a not-so-inviting scowl in its default position)….. I managed to sell many hats and badges, raffle tickets and stickers. I took names of people who wanted to train in MHFA, and identified a couple of people who were trying hard not to show they were suffering. I’m not a trained MHFA, but I like to think I’m empathetic, and I can tell when someone is hurting or in need. I was able to have a quiet word with one of the team who stepped in and discreetly offered support and help to them. I met so many interesting people during my time on the stand and wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
One of the nicest parts about my two days was getting to know some of the team better. I’m absolutely rubbish with names, so here’s the ones I can remember. Paul – what a man! I’m in awe of your energy and positivity; Lottie – thank you for being so welcoming on my first morning, Leanne – it was great to walk back to our cars and have a brief chat about what I was going through – you’ll never know how much that helped just to be able to offload in some small way), the incredibly talented Gary and Weeble and their wonderful sketches, (Weeble I’m definitely having you draw our Schnauzer Sidney at some point); Laura and your amazing bike adventures- you’re an inspiration; Bob – thanks for the tea and laughs! Emma – we chatted about some pretty deep stuff at times and I’m grateful for your honesty and kindness; Karen – thanks for organising me and making sure I knew exactly where to be and when. And big thanks to everyone else I met – you were all, without exception, absolutely lovely and I hope to be lucky enough to be selected to volunteer again next year.
Without a doubt I’m looking forward to doing my MHFA course in the new year and getting involved in whatever way I can. Without realising it, MHM has been my saviour this year and I want to express my love and thanks to you all. When you can take something and then give it back in spades, that’s very fulfilling and for me, it’s what volunteering is all about.
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DALE'S LEGACY BY LORNA CAFFREY
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During the 9 days of Motorcycle Live at the NEC, I had the privilege of volunteering with Mental Health Motorbike for 4 of those days. Stepping away at the end of day 9, watching the vast hall turn from a perfectly organised display room, to an empty shell of the glory I had become used to, was a metaphor for how I was feeling: the parts may not be together anymore but they’re not gone. Stands are built and taken down, put in storage and then reused for the next show. The Mental Health Motorbike family may not be together in person for another year, but we’re all ready and waiting for the next one.
The founder of the charity, Paul Oxborough, leads the charity with such dedication, compassion and an understanding of Mental Health, that those who join the charity, do so with the same values. I watched a group of people who some had never met before, from all walks of life, leave the show as friends and a sense of belonging. His enthusiasm is contagious and it motivates all around to deliver the very best they can. Our aim is simple: prevent suicide and promote a healthier attitude to Mental Health.
As I spoke to people familiar to the charity and those discovering it for the first time, their stories were different, but they shared a common appreciation for the charities existence. We may know talking is the best therapy, but identifying who is there to listen is harder said than done. Mental Health Motorbike is the charity we didn’t know we needed and the service it provides is, literally, life saving. My husband, Dale Caffrey, took his own life in 2019 and since then, I’ve endeavoured to prevent further suicides. The charity has become a family to me and volunteering with them has helped ease the pain his loss left me with x
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RIDE THE LIGHTS BLACKPOOL BY JANET ALLSOPP
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About me... I'm Janet Allsopp, half a century old and delighted that it's mince pie season!
As a child my favourite thing to do was ride pillion on the back of my dads bike and I grew into an unruly teenager that rode her own YB100, in the 1980s this was an unusual sight, women riders were few and far between in Lancashire. As an adult I've continued riding and seen women in motorcycling become a far from unusual hobby....My children have grown into bikers and one of my greatest pleasures is riding with them. This applies particularly to my middle son who has now made a full recovery after breaking his neck in a motorcycle accident 7 years ago. During his recovery I struggled to know how to support him or how to find a service that was appropriate for a 20yr old lad whose biggest fear was that he wouldn't ride again. The reality was that the support he needed didn't exist. Had MHM been established then, I know it would have helped him enormously.
I came across MHM after enquiring about a cap an acquaintance was wearing. Together we decided that the aims of the charity reflected our personal and emotional aspirations of supporting our friends and community in a comforting and encouraging manner and that we NEEDED to get involved. Both of us had volunteered for several organisations in the past and felt that in some respects we were already the "go to" for people needing a little support in our social circles. The MHM website showed us the way forward, we completed the MHFA training and from aquaintacies, we became friends. The course was fantastic, I learned how to listen rather than talk (a lot for a Lancashire lass!), I learnt how to support, how to respond, how to guide and gained confidence that I could help someone without the fear that I'd possibly given poor advice or not helped, perhaps even made a situation worse. Doing the course has given me the tools to and skills to be better and do better. I get a great sense of joy when after a chat, a person in need becomes a little lighter, happier and heard and hope is reflected in both of us.
As I work alone I wasn't able to take my skills into the workplace, but I wanted to do more, use my new found confidence and skills. My bike has been my escape and my therapy for over 30 years, it's given me freedom, companionship and also solace when I've needed it...biking is my life, bikers my community and these are the people i want to give back to. I particularly want to help the younger generations and plan to liaise with the local automotive colleges to support our young bikers through the challenges of college life and teenage years.
Applying for the role of Regional Coordinator seemed like a fantastic opportunity to make some real impact locally.
I have very quickly become the "face" of MHM at bike meets locally, but more importantly, I'm doing what I wanted to do, providing that "ear" and that support,whilst helping to reduce the stigma associated with poor mental health. I'm also promoting the charity and helping make MHMs vision of a MHFA at every meet and cafe a reality. I've just organized my first fundraising event and was blown away by the support of many local bikers who feel MHM is something they want to get behind.
"Ride The Lights Blackpool " took place on a bitterly cold (-2*C) night in November. 65 bikes travelled along an icy promenade and many more bikers donated online. It was an amazing night, looking behind me and seeing so many of us dedicated to the MHM ethos was so humbling (I may have cried a little). The pictures don't do it justice, "miles of smiles" and I can't wait to do it again next year. Volunteering has broadened my horizons and hopes for the future. I've formed friendships, gained confidence and a wealth of knowledge. Its far more rewarding than I ever imagined.
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A LIFE CHANGING CHARITY BY BOB CANNELL
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I had the pleasure to have represented Mental Health Motorbike at Motorcycle Live 2023. Along with my loving wife, Mental Health Motorbike and the members of the Facebook Support Group have been a massive positive influence in me changing my life, discarding those things that caused me anxiety and deep debilitating depression throughout my life. It isn't always easy but I have a fantastic support network and I feel like a new person. I speak of Mental Health Motorbike to my family and friends it made sense to help the charity to spread the word. My first event was at the famous Ace Cafe, London. I was made to feel very welcome by the team and visitors alike and looked forward to getting involved in future events and in 2023 I completed over 12 events. It is so rewarding giving someone the space to talk. Attending and participating in the Mental Health First Aid Course gave me the tools to not only help others but myself too.
Using the common enjoyment of motorcycling, it is very powerful and special when the team can initiate conversations at events and allow people to talk about their emotions, to introduce them to the Mental Health Support Group and see the welcome that they get when they introduce themselves.
I am now Area Coordinator for Kent and looking forward to working with Mental Health Motorbike to spread the word and encourage motorcyclists to talk about their emotions and signposting help.
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MEETING MY IDOLS BY NICOLA SEPHTON
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I decided to do the Mental Health First Aid course earlier in the year. I saw the Mental Health Motorbike stand at a previous show and thought doing the course might help me with my anxiety and I can help others with mental health. I’ve been riding bikes since I was a nipper so the two went together perfectly for me. I’ve had anxiety for years, mainly caused by my job, I’m a front line emergency service responder.
Motorcycle Live was my first volunteering job with MHM I didn’t know what to expect but I thought it’ll be great meeting new people and promoting a great charity. Considering what I do for a living I am actually quite shy but the team were great, everyone really friendly and welcoming. I had a fantastic day on the stand chatting to folks and I got to have a quick look at some of the bikes on some of the nearby stands. Highlight of the day for me, meeting two famous people I absolutely idolise. first of all Maria Costello and then Danny John Jules. I returned to the show the next day with my dad and we met Peter Hickman and got our photo taken with him, so I got to meet yet another legend.
I just want to thank all the team from MHM who were at Motorcycle Live, you are all fantastic!
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REUNITED WITH MY SECOND FAMILY BY WEEBLE
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I am just back from Birmingham and Motorcycle Live at the NEC and once again, it has been an amazing, tiring, emotional, uplifting, funny, sad and rewarding week. I have no words for how I am feeling at the moment. I have met old friends, made new ones and remembered friends no longer with us.
When I was asked, in 2021 to go down to the NEC for the first time , I had a serious amount of imposter syndrome. This year, that had not diminished in any way, shape or form.
I can only thank Paul Oxborough and all of the trustees for having enough faith in me to want me there for the whole 9 days.
I headed home to my family and my beloved dog , but it was bittersweet because I left behind a group of amazing people I feel privileged to also call family.
I am truly blessed.
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TALKING CAN REALLY HELP BY MARTIN YOUNG
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Hi, my name is Martin, I like many have fought my own demons. Having seen an advert I decided to get involved with Mental Health Motorbike earlier this year. For me, it is important to show others that although things may be tough, through talking people can see that someone does care, will support and jointly we can make a difference to each other’s lives.
I had many great conversations at MCL, but one that really has stuck in my mind is with a guy who first saw MHM at the show 2 years ago. He was struggling, thought what a great concept and had a chat with someone on the stand that year. This year, he came over to say how grateful he was for the support back then. He is still dealing with issues, but 2 years on, feels if it were not for us, he would not have started to turn a corner. It is these moments no matter how big or small make me proud to support fellow bikers.
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MHFA UPDATE BY TRUSTEE KAREN COLE
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Well what a year it's been from a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) perspective.
At the start of 2023 the Trustees set a target to train 1,000 MHFA’s by the end of 2024, 500 in 2023 and 500 in 2024 it was an ambitious target, but something we are passionate about achieving.
We agreed to use donations made to Mental Health Motorbike to part fund the courses, so we could charge only £50 for a course that usually retails at over £300.
Looking at the training records until the end of December we booked 509 people onto a Mental Health Motorbike MHFA course, a fantastic achievement which should have meant that we were ahead of target to reach our goal.
Sadly 68 people cancelled at short notice, didn't show up at all or didn't complete the course. This has cost the charity a lot of money and has meant that we are now 59 new MHFAs short of our target.
We were however very pleased to welcome 36 people who have gained the same MHGA qualification or an equivalent elsewhere but have asked to join the database of Mental Health Motorbike green badge holders. So technically we have got very close to welcoming 500 new MHFAs to our database and the total for this year stands at 477 Mental Health Motorbike green badge holders which is fantastic!
Even better is that so many new MHFA have come forward to volunteer for us. Thank you very much everyone! It's been an absolute pleasure to meet so many of you at events. With all this enthusiasm we know 2024 is going to be an even bigger year for Mental Health Motorbike.
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WAS I REALLY TOO COMPLEX TO HELP BY MICHAEL RUFF
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My name is Michael Ruff and in 2021 I had a full mental breakdown after many years of having problems with my mental health and had to leave my family home. I left with no communication and the police were involved due to me being a risk to everybody including myself, it took them 2 days to find me. While I was away, I registered with the local doctor and was referred to the mental health team. After a few weeks on my normal doctors appointments, I was asked if I had received letter from mental health team and was told that the local team were saying I was too complex for them to help, argh another dead end!!!
So, taking it from there I was in crisis and had to find a solution and being good with IT I started to search online and after loads more dead ends, I came across Mental Health Motorbike on Facebook I registered and I managed to contact somebody called Ken and he gave me much needed support, many thanks. So after purchasing my motorbike in September I offered to help support this charity, in 2022 after getting back to my life in the North East, I helped raise money for the charity. Onwards at the end of 2022 now my friend Ken suggested that I would make a good MHFA, and they would be willing to subsidise my course. The course was taken in 2023 and shortly after I was invited to apply to be a coordinator and was successful as an area coordinator. After what I believe a very successful year I am loads better and I am looking forward to supporting Mental Health Motorbike.
I love doing stuff like this now, if you asked me 2 years ago would I be saying I'm not sure, this charity has given me so much confidence as well as helping my poor mental health, I would even say it has helped reduce the effects of my ASD.
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INTRODUCTIONS BY LEANNE MCLEAN
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Let me introduce myself, I am Leanne and a Trustee of Mental Health Motorbike, a role I have held for just over one year and 2 Motorcycle Live events! My background is in healthcare where I have been a nurse for almost 40 years, with the last decade in Executive Nurse Board Leadership roles, the experiences of which I bring to the MHM Board of Trustees.
My passion for motorcycling started as a very young child when my dad would sit me on the tank of his Panther for a short trip, and trips to Sheffield from Portsmouth in the sidecar! I still have the bruises from the vinyl seat over the myriad of tools needed to make the trip! Several of my friends and family have been racers, here and in the IoM and I would often be found in the pits, spannering, and have done a few track days myself. I currently ride a Street Triple when I get time. I think riding changes across the years and I now prefer to bimble than race, and enjoy the views.
So why Mental Health Motorbike? Let me link this to the 5 Ways to Wellbeing....
'Connect' as a person who has always been interested in people and how they view the world prompted me to undertake a Masters in Leadership, a postgrad in education and subsequent coaching qualifications with additional accreditation specific tools and techniques to understand ourselves better. Mental Health Motorbike gives me the opportunities to connect with others and offer support where I can, and thus 'give back' to a community that has been a huge part of my life and growing up; like many others, I have a fair few stories to tell!!
With a very busy life I have learnt to carve out time for myself to be 'present and take notice' and now practice mindfulness and meditation when my spare time isn't spent doing some craft or other. Linking further to this I love walking and cycling and do evening yoga classes to keep me grounded. My mind has a tendency to overthink and wear me out, so I have been exploring and practising the works of mindfulness guru's such as Suryacitta and Michael Singer who both speak about freeing ourselves from our unhelpful thoughts. I read a lot and constantly learn something new, or a different perspective, which helps me to look at things from a wider angle, helping me to not judge so readily or to transfer how I feel onto others.
Mental Health Motorbike is giving me lots of learning experiences in working within a completely different setting, including the motorcycle industry, developing bids to raise much needed funds and building partnerships that will benefit Mental Health Motorbike and its members.
Motorcycle Live provides an excellent backdrop to the learning, I never stopped talking to individuals and businesses either interested in our work or looking for guidance in some way. I am blown away by the interest in Mental Health Motorbike and somewhat saddened that services within the UK are not sufficiently resourced to provide those needing help, with the help they need in a timely manner, but know we are doing our best to fill part of the gap.
Sharing a house with others whilst at Motorcycle Live is a privilege to hear their own stories and to share experiences of the day, all of which helps me and the Trustees to steer our rapidly growing charity in the right direction, recognising there will be a couple of wrong turns along the way and hoping that we will be forgiven and supported when we do. This year we have welcomed many more people to our support pages with really heartening guidance shared; welcomed more people to the role of moderators and to regional/area coordinators, with our reach growing further every day.
Everyone of us is a volunteer doing this alongside our other jobs which makes me believe that all are doing it from the depth of their hearts. I saw this first hand at Motorcycle Live with the shear number of volunteers who came along to help on the stall with an incredible buzz every single day...what a privilege to be alongside such great humans!
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MY MOTORCYCLE LIVE EVENT BY DAVID ALISON
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Hi I am David Alison, a 62 year old Grandad, A Life Coach, Hiker and Biker of 42 years.
I became interested in MH Motorbike after meeting one of the trustees Ken at a popular bike stop in the Scottish Borders in late 2022
I then did my MHFA training in Feb 23 and thoroughly enjoyed the course and meeting like minded bikers. The annual Motorcycle Live show in Birmingham provided an opportunity to support the charity and share the mission on the stand, which I quickly signed up for. Meeting my fellow first aiders & volunteers on the day, immediately brought a feeling of togetherness with a common passion of making a difference in the biking community. Getting to share each other’s experiences of our own mental health and biking journey, and also engaging with bikers who needed to chat or wanted to know more brought me a sense of fulfilment.
I am looking forward to supporting MHM further in 2024, particularly in my homelands of Scotland, the secret to living is giving 😊
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WHAT AN EVENT BY LOTTIE PITMAN
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What an event to be part of. As Regional Coordinator for Devon and Cornwall, it was great to work with other volunteers, meet new people and promote what Mental Health Motorbike is about.
It amazed me the amount of merchandise we sold. People proudly wanting to wear the Mental Health Motorbike bike logo whether on a hat, jumper, t-shirt, pin badge or sticker.
Support was given to many over the days and I used the welfare van on one occasion to provide support. Another conversation ended up with the person giving me the tightest, longest hug, tear in his eye and the words ‘ thank you, it’s nice to know someone understands.’ The hug and words will stay with me.
There are so many people out there with Mental Health. I hope people visiting the stand now know that support is out there and they are not alone. Mental Health Motorbike is there to provide support.
As Regional Coordinator for Devon and Cornwall I am looking for any Mental Health First Aiders to become part of the team in the area.
Please contact me lottie.pitman@mhmotorbike.com
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JOOLZ EMMITT FROM BIKE-TRAC
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I’m Joolz, and I am a Mental Health First Aider. I volunteered for a day at Motorcycle Live! at the NEC as it was my first opportunity to help this year. I wanted to be able to help give something back to the community, and help spread the word about Mental Health Motorbike, and the amazing work being done by the charity.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day talking to fellow bikers, and hearing stories of how the charity has already started changing lives. I also met people who didn’t really know what we do, but were happy to support the charity by buying the merch or raffle tickets. I love being part of a community that help support each other. Most of all, I loved being part of a team who are all committed to using the skills they have learned to be kind and support those who need help. I am looking forward to volunteering whenever I can next year, and seeing this amazing community grow!
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PETER MILES - IN MEMORY OF NICK
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My name is Peter Miles, I’ve been a member at MHM since early 2023 following my attendance to MCL in 2022, which I visited then for the first time since the passing of my best mate, Nick, 3 years before – he and I were wingmen since meeting at ‘Tech’ in 1974 and yes, you’ve guessed it, becoming motorcyclists (does a Honda C 90 and Yam FS1E count?)
Nick had left a huge hole in my psyche and there I was by the MHMotorbike stand….after a great chat, I was convinced….So, how was my 2023? Well, I completed the (superb, thanks Chris Rollings, the instructor) MHFA course in March, I volunteered for course support and attended Mental Health Motorbike events.
I’m glad I had attended Castle Combe and a Bikers Breakfast in Uttoxeter before MCL 2023 as I’d been gently initiated into Mental Health Motorbike via some very thoughtful encounters with people (mainly blokes) who were aware of themselves, some having encountered various therapies and wanting to share, to thank us for being there, some partners and Mums and Dads, supporting people in their love of bikes despite their misgivings, and many, many bikers who wanted to know more. 2 weeks ago Motorcycle Live…...things got REAL.
After our briefing the Wednesday show got off to a steady start, which carried on throughout the day and here ‘Take Notice’ came into play big time…within an hour I struck up a conversation, I’ll call him Sam (name changed) which really brought the MHFA course into sharp focus and while Sam and I connected, he left the stand with my name and a firm invitation from me to come back and talk some more. Throughout the day I had some great talks with people, the importance of our mental health never once being dismissed, indeed, it was more often supported, many people making donations and buying merchandise.
Somewhere around 14:30 and end of one of my conversations, one of the team brought Sam over who had asked for me. We went into the Mental Health Motorbike welfare van and had a good half hour talking things through. Giving back is a significant part of wellbeing, I feel Sam and I did that for each other – I couldn’t ‘solve’ Sam’s situation, but I could and did, listen, understand and empathise with him. We shook hands as he left me with warm thanks. I feel he felt less alone, he certainly knows about us now. He talked about being active and I am certainly being so now, back at home renovating our home often thinking about MCL and, of course, meeting Sam. The team support I received afterwards was very, very welcome (thank you especially Weeble and Paul). So, don’t be a stranger, come and visit our site, come and talk to us, come and help us, to reach our 1000 mental health first aiders, to talk.
Remember 5 ways to wellbeing : Keep Learning, Take Notice, Be Active, Give back, Connect - see above in this newsletter for more information on this.
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LAURA PETERS DOING THE MEET & GREET AT THE SHOW
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Hi I'm Laura and I have been working at the show for three days on the stand, which was nice to be involved with, but then I got asked by the team if I could come in on the next day to support someone struggling with anxiety and walk around with them. This person is autistic and this was the first time at a show of any size, so were worried about crowds and noise.
I met them just inside of the Hall, and we walked and talked back to the Mental Health Motorbike stand and used the welfare support van, so we could sit, have a drink and chat with them so they could ground themselves, as well as talk through what they wanted to see and achieve from the show etc. Once we had made a plan, we headed out to explore and for me to talk bikes! (very easy for me), we did have to head back to the van at one point as the noise had started to get too much, but being able to sit in the quiet sound proofed van was perfect. We did manage to see pretty much the whole show and books and gear were bought, bikes were tried for size and a few smiles appeared (you know that feeling of how perfect a bike can fit). I was pleased to get a note from them once they got home, saying how thankful they were for the comfort and support. A great way to support someone's mental health. This really show's the inclusive nature of this charity.
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ANNA LAMBOURNE - MY THOUGHTS OF THE SHOW
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I always perceived the Motorcycle Show as just another way to showcase products – new motorcycles, tours, insurance, gadgets you never knew you needed (you probably still don’t NEED them, but now you WANT them) and so on.
This year was different, however. I did my Mental Health First Aider course a few months ago. I put my name down to help at the show, and there I was, surrounded by amazing people on the stand - different backgrounds, different skills and hobbies – each of them so special and so personal.
We had a few chats that just showed how important the human connection is. The people we met at the show – those who wanted more information, those who appreciated the work that our Charity has been doing, and finally those who wanted help or a chat – those were the magical moments. Listening to stories, seeing the thread that connected us - love for biking, but then something else - the sensitivity of humanity. The hugs we laughed about and those that brought unexpected tears that got us in touch with our emotions. I was happy that we had each other. That as part of Mental Health Motorbike we could be there to let you know that it’s OK not to be OK. That you had someone you could talk to or laugh with.
If I was asked what we showcased at our stand – we know what Mental Health Motorbike stands for - reducing the stigma around mental health, reducing the number of suicides within the biking community. But HOW do we do this? By forging those special connections between human beings. I am grateful for the opportunity of being one of the team (and for having a go on the Silver Dream Racer 2’s motorised toolbox! – see picture) x
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SILVER DREAM RACER BY SI JAMES
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Hi I am know as Silver Dream Racer I have my own mental health issues and to be invited to the NEC motorcycle live by Paul to do a display on the mental health motorbike stand was exciting but also a bit daunting as I didn't know what to expect I find it really hard to talk to people but Paul got me out of that he got me talking to people.
My partner Janine was also there volunteering. Talking to people she also helped a couple of people while trying to get people to do the mental health first aid course. We both found it to be a excellent few days we was there and a great help for me. We met some fantastic people on the stand and really hope we meet again.
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MY FIRST EVENT BY HANNAH BURROWS
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This was my first time helping at an event after completing my mental health first aid course in August. I had a great day, everyone was lovely. I really enjoyed helping on the stand with merchandise sales.
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To see our current team click on the map below
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Why not sign up to do a future MHFA course and be part of this life saving community...?
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