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INTRODUCTION FROM FOUNDER PAUL 'OXO' 

After a very exciting career in my day job that has allowed me to travel the world I can say the last four years working with the team to grow Mental Health Motorbike has been probably some of the best and most rewarding times of my life providing a sense of accomplishment and achievement that has really improved my own mental health well-being. 

But this has not been an easy journey, starting with nothing and building a community and charity to what it is today has meant supporting a great deal of people in need and this is mentally tiring. One of the ways we will start to look after ourselves has come from one of our new Regional Coordinators Mark Campion who is a mindfulness coach. He is running a nine week course with some of the trustees and volunteers. This is a pilot and hopefully be repeated again if there is an interest (let us know). 

This training has allowing us to develop new skills for managing our feelings and stress levels and one of the things we are exploring is finding time to really be in the present, the here and now. Above are some pictures of the places that I go when I do my daily litterpick and this is a great place to practice what I am learning. Using the new skills from the mindfulness training I'm starting to really focus on what is happening around me, and wow the stuff I have missed is unreal! We have also been encouraged to use our bikes as a tool for mindfulness - interesting explaining this to the family!

Slowing things down and getting your breathing and emotional frame of mind under control brings a new sense of empowerment to me. When we are stressed our minds play huge tricks on us - what if, do this, over react, fight or flight kicks in, but I'm learning how much of this I can control and then allowing my brain to be rained in when it overreacts.  Basically I am looking at how to look after myself better through this process and this can only be a good thing for the charity and those who know me. 

In reality whether anybody will see the benefits of this remains to be seen haha. but I would seriously recommend looking at this as a way of managing your mental health wellbeing - Mark C you are a legend and have unleashed a monster!  

TIME FOR A LIFE CHANGING ADVENTURE BY ROB SCOTT

I am 60 years old, flying solo, with no pets, got a dodgy heart, a problematic replacement hip, have suffered from episodes of poor mental health for the majority of my life, and I am an alcoholic in recovery. But I am in the best place I have been for a very long time, and soon to go on an adventure.

I consider myself as a bit of an ongoing restoration project. Similar to a barn find – I was in a dark place, broken, rusty, alone and forgotten about. I needed a lot of ‘spannering’, some visits to breaker yards for missing bits, together with an abundance of wire wool, WD40, sweat, tears, grazed knuckles, and a few expletives. But I am up and running again, not exactly a classic, but functioning with the potential to be useful and, dare I say, may be ready for fun! 

In reality, I started reassembling myself when I went to rehab in the summer of 2021, where I came to realise that my addiction was a mental disease. I have worked on my recovery ever since, and remained sober. I also bought a little KTM 390 Adventure in January 2022. My return to some semblance of sanity from the depths of addiction and my rediscovery of the joys of motorcycling were autonomous, but I don’t think that one would have been necessarily possible without the other – They complimented each other. I then discovered Mental Health Motorbike, and it became the intrinsic glue to unite these two major aspects of my new life.

I first met Paul Oxo at the Staffordshire Classic Motorbike Show in spring 2022, and the concept and philosophy of the charity clicked with me immediately. Biking means you can be alone in your own space when you want to, inside your helmet riding a road of your choice. If you want or need some company, just ride to the nearest biker cafe and you’ll normally be chatting with someone before you’ve removed your helmet. Then there is the comradery of the biker community – We stop to help each other when our bike breaks down, so let’s extend that care to when our body or mind breaks down.

My mental health was already improving when I was introduced to Mental Health Motorbike, but after 25 years of fluctuating emotions, disregard for my wellbeing, and alcohol misuse, I needed all the support available to maintain an upward trajectory. Through the charity I made new friends with similar interests, and an empathy for the fact we can all struggle at times. At lower moments, or when faced with challenges, I felt able to turn to Mental Health Motorbike for assistance or guidance. 

I also took the opportunity to become involved in representing Mental Health Motorbike at some events – This was a bit of a leap of faith and took me out of my comfort zone, but it helped to start talking more again and brought me out of my shell. Engagement with the charity, together with now working at the rehab centre I went to, has greatly contributed to an increase in my confidence.

In July 2023, with my newfound belief in myself, I summoned the courage to do something I had dreamed about for decades – I took my motorbike and tent to Europe for two weeks. I rode 3,000 miles, visiting France, Spain, Andorra, and Switzerland. It was a great experience, and I visited some fantastic places, saw many amazing views and, whilst far from being an extrovert person, I found that travelling in the manner I was helped to strike up conversation, (albeit in broken-English a lot of the time). Having dipped my toe in the water, I decided to repeat the trip on a larger scale. I have upgraded to a Yamaha Tenere 700, and leave for about 9 months travelling in Europe on the 5 March, (my 1,000th day of sobriety).

I have been making plans for this adventure for six months now, and I have received a great deal of advice and encouragement for others involved with Mental Health Motorbike. I have had to work hard on improving my life, but MHM and various members of the charity and support group, have played a large part in maintaining the momentum, and helped to create opportunities that would not have otherwise arisen. For this, I thank you all.

AWESOME THERAPY FERRETS!

We had ferrets before, but my wife, Trisha, decided she wanted another pair for her 60th birthday. I found two that needed top be re-homed and we fell in love with them the second we saw them both. I wanted to call them Thing 1 and Thing 2, but Trisha decided on Razzle and Dazzle. All the previous ferrets had lived in a run outside, but we decided these two would be house ferrets and live in our living room. For some reason I decided I would train them to walk on leads.

Then came COVID
 
Trisha had serious health issues and within a month she took ill and died in April 2020. We had been together for 28 years and suddenly I was lost and all alone, at the worst time in the nation's history. In the middle of this the main thing that kept me sane was going out to the park every day and walking the boys.

Now I take the boys out every day, they have gone on holiday with me and Dazzle likes to go on the train into London. They are known throughout Watford and frequent most of the coffee shops. Most people smile when they see the boys walking towards them, some even burst out laughing. It sparks conversations with lots of interesting questions. The boys are naturally curious and friendly so will talk to anyone. I have brought them to a couple of Mental Health Motorbike events. They are great icebreakers and give me an in to talk to people. I have also used them as walking therapy with some friends going through issues. The concentration on the process has absorbed them for all the time the ferrets are bumbling about.

Latest update: Dazzle is in the latest Watford FC programme, as Watford’s furriest fan…

ONE JOURNEY, ONE LIFE SAVED

My journey with MHM started in December of 2020. To try to establish a timeline, I have searched through messages, phone calls and emails. I am overwhelmed with the amount of support and encouragement that MHM has given to me over this 3 year journey. I am forever indebted to Paul and the group of volunteers.

I had been on prescribed opiates for 7 years following a road traffic accident. Unable to get professional support reducing and stopping these, I decided to do it myself.  I reached out to Mental Health Motorbike whilst navigating this transition.  However, this journey proved to be extremely difficult and with the other daily struggles of life, I found my mental health had reached a very dark place. 

I do not want to hide behind metaphors and phrases. The true impact of this group can only be fully understood if honesty and openness is used. The stark truth is that I was attempting to end my life. Paul and other members talked to me through messages and phone calls until I was in a safe place. They continued the support throughout my recovery and beyond.

With their help, encouragement and belief in me I set about gaining qualifications and applying for jobs.  However, in August 2021 I received a letter from the DVLA permanently revoking my driving license due to my mental health crisis in January 2021. I was devastated beyond belief. Having worked so hard to put my life back together and I was left in a situation that affected my whole world. I live in a rural area and we were in lockdowns. Isolated and alone, Paul once again provided support and contact with regular messages, phone calls and zoom meetings. Sourcing legal advice and encouraging me to persevere in regaining my licence. The humiliating medicals knocked my confidence but Paul kept on believing in me and building my self esteem back up after each blow. 

In December of this same year my mother died. Paul was there to listen and offered help in finding a way of getting me to and from the funeral. Mental Health Motorbike was there in a supportive role but also in a practical role as well. 

In April 2023 I passed my Mental Health First Aider training. I wanted to be there for anyone else struggling on whatever level and Mental Health Motorbike training for this is invaluable.   Unfortunately, my nephew then took his own life and this highlighted the need for more resources in every part of of our society. 

I gained employment and last week I received a letter from the DVLA. I was physically shaking opening it. Inside was my reinstated driving licence. The first person I called was Paul Oxborough. He has believed in me since our very first contact. The hours he and his team put in to be there for any biker, be it a stranger or friend, is immeasurable. 

Mental Health Motorbike saves lives. 

They saved mine.  I am here telling you my journey only because Paul had the vision to set up this group. To reach out to people and to provide training for more volunteers. Mental Health Motorbike raises awareness and provides an inclusive support group for anyone who reaches out. 

I am one rider, one life, on the road because of the work Paul and Mental Health Motorbike do. I am not the only one who is forever in your debt.

Anon. 

IT ALL STARTED  IN NOVEMBER AT MOTORCYCLE LIVE

It all started back in November when we met Paul and the many volunteer's on the MHM stand at NEC Motorcycle Live show. 

Russell, James and Myself (Mark) were also exhibiting with our Motorcycle touring company, Kraken Motorcycle Co. On the Visit Wallonia stand. We had taken a wonder around the show and decided to call in for a chat as we had followed Mental Health Motorbike on socials and keen to get a better understanding of the charity. After our informative chat we walked away and all agreed if we were to undertake any fundraising we would like to support them. 

Fast forward to January.. Christmas is over and we have all overindulged as you do! During one of our meetings Russell said, with a busy biking season ahead of us, he’d like to get ‘bike fit’ and put the idea about running, walking or rowing 5KM a day in February! 
 
A way to improve our fitness and in turn making us feel better after an indulgent Christmas break. 

Now.. we are by no means fitness freaks but we consider ourselves active. However in life we all need a little challenge, big or small to motivate us, set a goal to aim for! Be it in work or play. We all were onboard.. 1st February it started! Row, Run, Walk!  Upon writing this we are on day 25 with majority of the days spent running or rowing.. we have reached a total of 125km each so far. 

This challenge has had many benefits.. it's given us that daily goal, we’ve felt the benefits physically and mentally. Helped start the day off or giving us a boost at the end of a long day. In addition to this we have been in daily communication sharing our workouts, encouraging efforts when days are harder than others. 

But most of all its raised some funds for a well deserving charity! Keep up the great work.

EMMA'S STORY BY GRAEME BLAIRE

TRIGGER WARNING - THIS IS A HEARTBREAKING ARTICLE ABOUT THE LOSS OF A MUCH LOVED CHILD AND MAY BE DISTRESSING FOR YOU. IT HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED TO TAKE ACTION AND REACH OUT FOR HELP AND WHY CHARITIES LIKE OURS ARE SO IMPORTANT.
When I was deciding whether to share my story and while writing it, I was thinking about what the point was.  On its own it could be taken as sad or tragic however my aim is not to depress people so I wanted to come up with something people could take away in the hope that sharing Emma’s story helps someone in some way or gives them something to think about.

Up until last year I was completely unaware of Mental Health Motorbike and only discovered it during a chance chat at the Triumph factory.  Both my wife and I have found that working with people and raising awareness of mental health has helped us cope with our loss and keep the light at the end of the tunnel switched on.  For a few years I barely used the bike other than the annual MOT but having now got back into it (as well as trading in my 15 year old Triumph for a nice shiny relatively new Versys) I am enjoying it again and we can’t wait for the warmer weather when my wife will venture out in the pillion seat once again.

Our daughter, Emma, started off as a very happy little girl, outgoing, sociable and wherever we went she would invariably make a new friend.  However somewhere between primary and secondary school that changed.  She lost her confidence and began suffering from anxiety leading on to self-harming and an eating disorder.  She was a very good singer and had one time been desperate to get onto Britain’s Got Talent even attending a set of local auditions, but she became reluctant to perform in front of anyone.  She was bullied a bit at school and her friends were not always supportive.  Like nearly all modern teenagers she was fixated with social media and after coming home from school would be straight onto it ‘chatting’ with the same people she had just been at school with all day.  She would be the one her friends would come to with their problems and the one that tried to arbitrate in arguments, often to her own detriment.  
 
It was clear that she was suffering, and so my wife and I looked to our GP and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for help.  The GP, like many, was not a mental health specialist and could only prescribe the generic medication and refer on to the relevant mental health professionals at CAMHS.  We struggled to get her into the system.  The waiting lists were long, as the service is oversubscribed with requests.  When she finally got an appointment the consultation was swift, generic and quite superficial and as Emma was very good at hiding her true self behind a façade the outcome was that she didn’t warrant any further help at that point.
 
After much pushing we got some help but it was intermittent and inconsistent. Even after a couple of attempted overdoses (a few tablets she had managed to find) more help was not available.  Then in September 2018 she managed, either by luck or judgement, to get hold of some ‘better’ tablets.  Her brother (only 12) found her and she was rushed in via ambulance to Derby Hospital, initially it was looking like she would need to be transferred to Nottingham Hospital as it had a paediatric Intensive Care Unit, however she recovered just enough to only need the High Dependency Unit which Derby had.  After 24hrs there she started to recover and was transferred to the normal children’s ward.  At this point my wife and I were not taking no for an answer and had a very frank discussion with a senior member of the CAMHS team.  Help and support was now made available and it finally felt that we were getting somewhere.
 
By this point my wife had already given up work to become a full time carer for Emma as well as undertaking home schooling due to her anxiety.  Both of us were exhausted and only through taking to a doctor did I start to realise that I was close to a breakdown and so ended up off work for about 2 months.
 
By the start of 2019 we felt like we were getting somewhere Emma was getting regular support from a group of people she trusted, I was back at work on a phased return and getting counselling via the Employee Assistance Programme.  There were a few ups and downs but it generally felt like progress.  Then on 19 March she hanged herself, she was just 14 years old.  My wife had to cut her down and start CPR until the ambulance arrived.  Despite the efforts of the various paramedics, nurses and doctors she was pronounced dead at the hospital.
 
The impact on my wife, son and myself has been huge, we have all needed counselling and even now several years on we are still struggling, my wife with PTSD and all of us with differing levels of depression and anxiety.  We had to seriously consider moving as the house held some very disturbing memories but ultimately we have stayed although have made significant internal changes.  The situation was not helped by Covid-19 as it delayed the formal inquest and a getaway we had planned for the 1 year anniversary, so that we were not in the house, had to be cancelled.  Our ongoing counselling was either postponed or held over the phone and it gave us the perfect excuse to lock ourselves away again, making it harder to eventually get back to some degree of normality.
 
When Emma was alive she did not want people to know about her mental health issues and so we respected that and only very close family and friends knew about it.  This made it very difficult for us as we had to make all sorts of different excuses for her times in hospital and when we were unable to do things with other people.  We didn’t resent doing that as all we wanted was her to get better, but it meant suffering in silence and possibly missing out on the benefits that talking about it can bring.
 
My wife and I know that there is nothing we can do to change what happened and we don’t want to get into a blame game or ‘what if’ scenarios so our focus has been how can we make a difference going forward.  We have both thrown ourselves into the mental health support world, undertaking various courses including the MHFA as well as Suicide Prevention and Awareness training.  My wife has even thrown herself out of a plane to raise funds and awareness for Papyrus as their focus is suicide prevention in the young.
 
Just telling the story also helps us in a way but as said above we wanted a point to it for others so here goes (in no particular order):
  1. Something that is regularly put out around mental health is talking about it, however please remember that not everyone can talk about their particular mental health situation.
  2. Not everyone recognises that they are suffering from or struggling with mental health issues, I didn’t until it was almost too late and only then when it was pointed out to me.  So please take a bit of time and have a look at yourself or someone you know from a different perspective.  
  3. While there is help available to people for mental health issues it is rarely quick or easy to access.  We struggled for over 2 years to get support and only when the situation got to an extreme point was the help made available.  So please don’t give up or take no for an answer if you think you or someone else needs help and use every option you have like MHM.
  4. There is no age where you are immune to mental ill health or suicide and it is far too common.  During the various times Emma was admitted to the hospital there were at least two or three other children also in because of mental health issues.  Since her death I have been far more aware of the news and statistics associated with mental health and teen suicide and they are frightening.  Suicide is the leading killer of teenagers and young adults within the UK.  It is very easy to get focussed on physical illnesses that kill children but we shouldn’t forget that mental health is a killer as well.  
  5. Just because it doesn’t have a name doesn’t make it less important.  We never had a formal diagnosis of Emma’s mental health issues.  There was much talk about what it wasn’t but little on what it could be.  We thought that a diagnosis would be a significant step towards getting better specific help but in hindsight what was more important was getting support and help to deal with the day to day struggles.
 Finally, look after yourselves and those around you.

THE JOURNEY OF AN ANONYMOUS REGIONAL COORDINATOR

Free school meals, remedial reading classes and a broken home motivated me to try pretty hard at school. What else did I have? Although it also prevented me from going to university, it didn’t stop me from eventually becoming a Managing Director at an international Investment Bank. 

I was led into biking by the traditional mid-life crisis and despite putting together a new R1 with the number plate “R1 UFO” I still survived, minus a few cuts and abrasions.

The blessing of an early retirement allowed me to persue a new adventure in the middle of the woods in Canada. A life in nature with some lumberjacking,  ATVing, forest bathing, snow angels, some chickens and my dogs led to an idyllic lifestyle with my wife.  We were untouched by Covid as we lived 25 miles away from any civilization. This peace and tranquility was a huge boost to my wife’s personality disorder, depression and anxiety. Life was good. 

Meanwhile back in the UK my youngest stepson was struggling to cope with his experiences in the British Army. PTSD and severe anxiety were telling him to end his life. We had no choice but to sell our forever home and return to the hustle and bustle of the UK.

My negotiation skills were used to good effect when the obligatory new homeowner trip to IKEA was traded for a trip to a bike shop. We ended the day with some nice bedroom furniture and a lovely Indian Scout Bobber. Win! win! 

The universe then sent me a Facebook post from a bunch of bikers who had set up something called Mental Health Motorbike. Despite never experiencing any mental health issues of my own, this seemed to pull a number of my life experiences into focus. Perhaps someone or something was giving me a message. 

So my MHFA course was followed 6 months later by me becoming a Regional Coordinator. I thoroughly recommend this fantastic life enriching experience. For the first time I actually feel like I am giving something back (although my wife tells me I’ve been doing this for years). I’ve manufactured a number of lucky breaks in my life and now I am able to pay it forward. Mammon has been vanquished and I am now serving a higher purpose.

I’ve never been the most intelligent person in a room full of Masters of the Universe but I have always been one of the most committed and diligent. And I am so pleased that I am now bringing this to bear to the best of my abilities within our biking community. I was very good at what I did but now I am very proud of what I am doing. 

Ride safe on this journey and give me a nod if you see me on my Indian Scout Bobber with it’s very appropriate number plate “P55 MHM”

BELFAST CHAPTER HARLEY DAVIDSON 

On Saturday 24 February 2024 Mental Health Motorbike NI Region attended the premises of Harley Davidson in Antrim. This was at the respectful invite by Belfast Chapter HOG NI. We gladly accepted this golden opportunity to promote Mental Health Motorbike. Regional Coordinator Ashley Knowles and Area Coordinator Keith Garbett stunned the crowd of approximately 50 people with our Mental Health Motorbike powerpoint presentation. Volunteer Ian Greig had the duty of crowd control! The response was excellent and we were able to speak individually to the attendee's afterwards. It was a great time of networking with people showing interest in our MHFA course. Nearly forgot to mention tea, coffee and donuts were provided!

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID WALES - UPDATE

It has been a great start to 2024 for the MHFA Wales training! Already we have had two successful cohorts completing their course and gaining their Mental Health First Aid certificates.
 
One of the aspects of these completed courses I have enjoyed is the contributions to the topic conversations that bring the Zoom webinars alive.The group have quickly built connection and trust to allow a safe space to explore the often emotive subject matter that the course covers. I am always on standby to help group members if they need guidance through the tech side of the learning process.
 
In addition to my role as the facilitator, I am lucky to have by my side Paul Sims - Wales & Border Counties Regional Co-ordinator. Paul provides a supportive role during the webinar sessions to ensure the welfare is considered of all of our participants. Together we have been able to provide a smooth running of the course as a whole for everyone involved. 
 
At the end of the training we encourage feedback from everyone and I wanted to share with you just a few examples of that feedback:
 
“The course was very good, I would highly recommend it to anybody considering becoming a MHFA. The webinars were busy and full of discussion.” 
 
 Fantastic course, professionally delivered. I now feel adequately equipped to approach and offer assistance to anyone exhibiting signs of mental distress.”
 
“The course is well set out and the resources are going to be of help in the future hopefully.”
 
Why not come and join one of the next courses and see for yourself just how beneficial the training is for understanding more about mental health, challenging stigma and making a real difference. Afterall, we all have mental health.

2 UP FROM DOWN UNDER - MONTHLY UPDATE

Our friends from 2 Up From Down under will be travelling from Australia to the UK and raising awareness and funds for Mental Health Motorbike, each month we will give you an update of their story
Chapter 1 of our 7 month Adventure, Sydney to Perth, is drawing to an end and what a journey it has been so far, not just in terms of miles travelled but for us as individuals. We had the chance to ride with a few Black Dog Riders from different states here in Australia and it was great to meet them and to hear their stories about how they became involved as coordinators or volunteers and fundraisers, all had their own reasons to be involved. We have also met a few individuals on the road who were obviously in need who we hopefully made smile – the sooner we do the 1st aid course the better!
We have experienced such a generosity of spirit here, not just from the biking community but also from the wider public that is has been a little overwhelming at times, there is so much kindness and generosity out there if we choose to open ourselves up to it. 

On one memorable day, I was listening to music through my helmet and the song ‘Lean on Me’ came on, a version by Mikael Rickfors. I had a chance to really listen to the words on this occasion: ‘Lean on me, when you’re not strong and I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on…… For it won’t be long, till I’m going to need somebody to lean on’. What a soundtrack for that days riding and for the work the work you guys at MHM do. 

By the time you read this, we will have started Chapter 2 and will be somewhere in Indonesia – if you want to follow our journey, you can at www.2upfromdownunder.com 

Cheers
Lobo & Team 2up

MEET AND GREET WITYH MARSHALLS NORTH WEST

On February 11th I spent the day with Marshals North West. I spent the day listening to the practical requirements in the day of a marshal, kit, regulations and the all important flags. I also got the opportunity to put out a fire and safetly move a motorbike. Later in the day I gave a presentation on MHM. 

The team there have all experienced loss and we talked about how that was impacting on them. Dark humour was a coping mechanism, as was the comradery of the team. However the general feeling was that some tragedies still affected their functioning even 10 years later, and there had been no support in previous years.

There were tears and conversations had, that some had never felt able to have before. The ended with a positive view of moving forward with the support of MHM. I am now able to marshal and provide the listening ear, the support and of course, enjoy the racing!

RETURNING TO MOTORBIKING BY ROBIN HALL

Hello MHM.  A bit of background.  I qualified as a social worker 41 years ago and have worked in mental health for the last 36 but I'm retiring in the summer and I'm not ready to hang up my mental health hat just yet.  I also rode way back, but about the time that children came along (not entirely a surprise of course....) I needed more wheels.  So the Honda CB550/4 was ditched (literally on one occasion - oops) and a Vauxhall Chevette took it's place.  Really?  Yep.  I don't resent my children.  Not at all.  Well, perhaps just a little.  A Chevette, I ask you!

So now I find myself in my final year / months / weeks / days of gainful employment.  I've ended up running a small mental health team based in police custody, looking out for the mental health and social needs of people passing through the custody suite of one of Hertfordshire's police stations.  Yes, there are tales to tell.  No, I won't be writing a book.  To be honest, I need a rest.  But not THAT much of a rest that I have nothing more to offer.  It didn't take me long to find MHM on the net, so if you don't mind, I'll climb aboard.  The police station where I work has a well run and well stocked tuck shop, the profits from which are often distributed to (usually local) charity.  I dropped the tuck shop an e-mail - yes, it has it's own e-mail address.  I mentioned the number of hobby riders in the police force.  I mentioned the number of professional riders too and also, that it's a sad fact that over the last three years or so, I can name 2 officers and one MH colleague who have taken their own lives.  I also mentioned MHM and sent a link to the web page.  Within 24 hours a donation had winged it's way into MHM coffers.  Well done tuck shop.

When I sold my Honda in 1983, I kept my leathers.  I knew that I'd need them again, and so here I am, (at the time of writing) 62 working days from retirement and after a bit of a break from riding, the owner of a new Royal Enfield Interceptor (link to Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" here).  The chrome and red one.  Deep joy.  It's just that nobody told me that my leathers would shrink round the waist.  Damn that tuck shop.

HELPING WITH MY CONFIDENCE BY JUSTIN WARDLE

Mental Health Motorbike have been a big help where my confidence has grown . It's been a journey and still is, but I know that this charity will be there if I need help. Also posting an example of my artwork on the group has given me confidence to carry on with my art . 
 
USEFUL QR CODES
Three useful QR codes when dealing with us, print them out and share them with relevant people 
This QR code will take you to the main website
These codes will take you to the peer support group & the members supporters group

THE PEER SUPPORT GROUP
Is there for anyone who needs support or wants to give support, it is a safe, non-judgemental private space managed by a team of 21 moderators. You have to complete a few simple questions to join, you need to read and agree to the rules and have some connection to the motorbike community.

THE SUPPORTERS CLUB
Is a platform where you give the charity some financial support by making a monthly donation.  

TO SEE OUR CURRENT TEAM - CLICK ON THE MAP BELOW

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID UPDATE

THE GOOD NEWS IS WE HAVE TRAINED ANOTHER 48 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDERS SINCE THE START OF THE YEAR

But sadly it's been a slow start to 2024, leaving us having to cancel 3 courses already. We need you to help us get the momentum going again!

Despite this 3 courses have been completed.  Total number booked onto the training was 48 but only 40 of those actually completed the course, with several people dropping out at short notice.

Please note: If you are considering doing a course be sure you can commit to all the dates as the charity has to pay for your place if you drop out. 

On top of this our Wales training team has trained 14 mental health first aiders with another 30 booked in for the next 3 courses. 

The 2 March courses were fully booked, but again 2 people have dropped out, so if anyone wants to take a place on Course 31 let us know ASAP we'd love to fill the spaces -  karen@mhmotorbike.com
 
Course 31 March 11,13,18,20

4 sessions 6pm to 9.30pm

SIGN UP TO DO A FUTURE MHFA COURSE AND BE PART OF THIS LIFE SAVING COMMUNITY 

SIGN UP NOW
JOIN OUR SUPPORTERS CLUB NOW

VISIT OUR EVENTS & TRAINING CALENDAR

UPCOMING EVENTS:
See https://mhmotorbike.com/calendar
 
1-2nd Mar             - Ballymoney Motorcycle Show
3rd Mar                 - Owls Nest Chill & Chat event 
5th Mar                 - La Luna Chill & Chat Event 
5th Mar                 - Online introduction to Mental Health Motorbike (for anyone interested in volunteering)
6th Mar                 - They Are Riding Cloud 9, Basingstoke
9th Mar                 - Coffee & Cake at On Yer Bike, Aylesbury
16th Mar               - Castle Coombe Race Course Open Day
16th Mar               - Rainbow Motorcycles Open Day, Ashburton, Devon
24th Mar               - HR4K Searles 2 Dakar, Hereford
24th Mar               - Easter Bike Run, Blackpool
27th Mar               - Nottingham IAM Presentation  
30th Mar               - Easter Bike Run, Sussex (details coming soon)
30th Mar               - Ladies Day On Yer Bike, Aylesbury
2nd Apr                 - La Luna Chill & Chat
6th Apr                  - Emergency Services Event, Triumph Factory, Hinckley
6th & 7th Apr         - Rider for Charity event Hunstanton to Cleethorpes
7th Apr                  - Wales Round Ribbon Event (more details soon)
7th Apr                  - Owls Nest Chill & Chat event
13th & 14th Apr     - The Great Malvern Motorbike Festival, Malvern
13th Apr                - Spring Startup - Bedford Fire Station
16th Apr                - Mind Wilts Trefoil Presentation about MHMB
21st Apr                - Firefighters 66 Custom Bike Show, Ramsgate 
27th Apr                - On Yer Bike Ducati Roadshow, Aylesbury 
28th Apr                - Midlands Air Ambulance Rideout (details to follow) 
28th Apr                - IAM Solent Ladies Day
 
To volunteer at these events please register via link below:
https://form.jotform.com/mhmotorbike/events2024
Keep a track on all our events and training this year
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Mental Health Motorbike · 3A Heath Road · Heath · Chesterfield, Derbyshire S445RP · United Kingdom

 






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Mental Health Motorbike · 3A Heath Road · Heath · Chesterfield, Derbyshire S445RP · United Kingdom