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www.mhmotorbike.com on social media @mhmotorbike
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**We apologise if you have received this newsletter twice, We noticed an issue with our distribution settings and have now resolved these. Enjoy**
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Introduction
(by Louise Williamson)
Welcome to our January 2023 Newsletter, and welcome to all our existing and new supporters who have joined us over the past few months. What an amazing time it has been seeing new people signing up and reaching out on our various platforms. I hope you are all finding your way around our Mental Health Motorbike network, and getting to know how everything works.
So here we are in a brand New Year, I hope we all coped with the festive season, which is sometimes not an easy time for many of us. I for one am looking forward to lighter nights and getting out on my bike... I already seem to have a full diary for many weekends, which is fabulous to see, as I am a relatively new biker (passed Aug 2021) and it is amazing to see how much there is to join in with... more than I have time or money, so I will be making some choices on what suits best.
With this in mind, please keep an eye out for our Mental Health Motorbike "events calendar" where we will be sharing which national events we will be officially attending. There are so many events we would like to have a presence at, I am sure you will appreciate we can not fit all of them in our diaries. There will give us the opportunity to volunteer at many of the official events, plus volunteers to attend their own local events as our representatives (we will be issuing guidance on expectations and will work with volunteers to support them attending their own local events). This will give is an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage people to join as supporters to access our mental health support networks.
Which leads me nicely on to the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training courses. Wow what an amazing response there has been, and so many people have already completed their MHFA course during January, welcome! The article below by Karen Cole provides more detail on MHFA courses, and there are details on how to enrol on the website. I did the course just over a year ago and learned so much, well worth completing if only for your own personal benefit, but also provides you with the skills and confidence to support others.
Thank you for reading my introduction, over to Paul now.....
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HOW I REALLY GOT TO KNOW MENTAL HEALTH MOTORBIKE
(By Paul Oxborough)
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Mental Health Motorbike was conceived three years ago after the suicide of one of my friends, I never thought just how much I would come to rely on it for my own support over the last few weeks.
Let me explain… for the last 30+ years, my day job has been that of a youth and community worker running international education programmes for young people aged 15-30 years. It has been a very privileged job that has allowed me to travel the world and do some of the most exciting projects. But following Brexit our government took us out of the European programme funding (Erasmus+) meaning that contracts in this field were no longer possible.
On December 15th I finished my last official contract (my 251st project) and the realisation my career doing this job was technically over and I started to spiral into a very dark place. There were a few other factors involved, exhaustion, stress, illness and dealing with three bereavements. I realised I was a physical and mental wreck that had been pushing myself for far too long. I ignored the signs and everyone’s comments to slow down. I woke up one morning and I didn’t want to be here, I couldn’t stop crying. I couldn’t face anyone, I was emotional, I was the most vulnerable I had ever been in my life and this deeply frightened me but I didn’t seem to care I was starting to unravel and when that starts to happen it’s hard to stop it.
So what helped?
I was able to reach out to my fellow charity trustees, team members and friends who gave me permission to stop and take time out. For the best part of 6 days i slept and rested with no pressures or expectations on me. The darkness got worse before it started to lift, but walking my dog and having less responsibility during this time helped. The one thing that made the difference is my family, friends and the amazing Mental Health Motorbike network. People were checking in regularly and this meant I wasn’t alone and it reminded me people cared about me. Having this meant the vortex sucking me down got less powerful and I was able to grab a safety ring which then allowed me to slowly crawl out, even more tired!
I think these simple gestures from the team, family and friends have been life saving. When you get to 53 and suddenly realise you have no employment, hardly any pension and your confidence and self esteem takes a knock you get very scared and think you are on the scrap heap and this is where the support is vital.
Many of you will resonate with this post and following lots of reflection my words of advice to someone else in the situation would be:
- Rest, rest, rest
- Simplify things and concentrate on getting through each day one step at a time
- Take away some of the pressures on yourself
- Exercise when you are ready to
- Eat what feels right, you can adjust this later (but eat something)
- Drink as much water as you can (I tried to avoid to much alcohol as this numbs the pain and either makes you feel better short term or very much worse)
- Find someone you trust and talk to them
- Use this support to help you build an action plan - a short, medium and longer term one
- If things don’t improve get your trusted friends to get you to the doctors
- But most important make it clear you aren't coping - people aren't mind readers
I want to thank Mental Health Motorbike, my family and friends for being there in my darkest hour. It wasn’t the way I wanted to understand the impact of the charity I helped setup, but I saw first hand the magical ingredient it brings to the mix and that is you were there in my hour of need, sometimes that is all that is needed. Thank you x
Paul Oxo
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WEEBLE'S WORLD
When there are troubles in your life, when you feel a little deflated, when it doesn't rain - but it pours . . . There is always someone there for you, beside you, sheltering under the same tarpaulin, in the same storm. Work through the difficult times as , like storms, they won't last forever.
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Are you passionate about the wellbeing and mental health of the biking community in your region – do you want to play a bigger with Mental Health Motorbike?
We are pleased to announce that Mental Health Motorbike is about to expand its operations to have an organised presence across the whole of country. We attended almost 100 events last year, supporting riders, signing up mental health first aiders and raising funds. We have more invitations to attend events than the current team can possibly manage. We can only grow with the help of our supporters. Can you help with this?
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist us by becoming regional leads (coordinators) for Scotland, Northern Ireland, North and Midlands, Southeast and Southwest.
You would be asked to recruit, develop and lead a team of Mental Health Motorbike volunteers and mental health first aiders from within your region, promoting Mental Health Motorbike to groups, clubs, businesses and organisations. You will be expected to attend events, arrange local meet ups, and of course raise much needed funds for the charity to grow. This will need a reasonable amount of time to be invested.
As a Regional Lead you will need to have a valid MHFA certificate AND to be confident using this in practice. You will also need good communication, organisation and leadership skills and undergo a DBS (police check which we will organise)
If you believe you would make a great Regional Lead, are passionate about the well-being and mental health within the biker community in your region please complete the application form before the 15th Feb 2023
https://form.jotform.com/mhmotorbike/regionallead
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ROSS TEBBATT
(By Ross Tebbatt)
Hello everyone. I hope your introduction to 2023 has been a pleasant one and you have lots to look forward to, both in biking and your personal endeavours going forward. If the two intertwine your winning!
My name is Ross Tebbatt, I go by @MotoTebb on socials and I’ve been asked to give myself a bit of an introduction, what I do here at Mental Health Motorbike and my biking/Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) journey.
I’m a 36 year old biker from Leicestershire and a qualified mental health first aider. I’m a Business Analyst by trade. I joined Mental Health Motorbike a few years ago through a good friend Dave Martin and I’ve never looked back since.
Mental health for me has been very up and down over the years. In 2015 I had a massive operation for a stoma and ileostomy after a long-standing illness. It was tough, a massive drain on my mental health and I lost not only a lot of confidence but my friend network and the ability to get out and rebuild. It’s been a massive recovery, but I managed to keep my main hobbies that are gaming and biking. It’s a lifesaver to have a mix of indoor and outdoor interests in tough times. My main goal is to now rebuild my network with people who understand me and my passion for biking and appreciate what life has to offer. If you're ever in need of someone to adventure with don’t hesitate to reach out.
My Role
So here at Mental Health Motorbike I set up and support a lot of the systems and platforms that we use - Facebook, Clubright, Slack, our web site etc. All these great tools allow us to bring everyone together and create the safe space we all enjoy so much. It’s a fine balance to get our community using these platforms and feel the freedom and safety to confidently reach out.
Equally for our volunteers and staff it’s important that these systems allow us to support without being an over burden and time drain, which is why we constantly tune and optimise these systems to allow the best volunteer/life balance.
I also get involved just about anywhere I can, I have worked and supported many events for Mental Health Motorbike over the last few years and I love nothing more than telling people about the awesome work that we do. Every “what a worthwhile idea” makes me realise what a much-needed role we play in this community and why we continue to go from strength to strength.
My Biking
Biking has always been the core of our family. Both my mum and dad are bikers and my family home would be a constant merry go round and tea stop of bikers nipping in for their cuppa and bacon butty top up. One thing we all know is when this bug bites you are forever sold.
I passed my CBT, brought a DT125 and began green laning and lots of awesome back road trips to Wales where I quickly gained my confidence and my love for all things adventure bike and roads with grass growing down the middle. From here I quickly progressed onto my full license and a Tenere XT660Z, which I used for more touring and getting further afield. I only had one venture into street bikes, this was an MT07 and after going out with friends and ending up through 2 fords on my new shiny ride I realised I had probably brought wrong…
Fast forward 10 years and many bikes later and I now have my two bikes which suit me beautifully. My CRF 300 Rally and my BMW 650 Dakar. This year I’m just upgrading some of my CRF to do some of the Trans European Trail and Adventure Country Tracks.
I’ve just put together my calendar for this year for events such as Overland, ABR, Welsh national road rally and Adventure Armchair festival. These are amazing events and I hope to meet you on the road or whilst helping Mental Health Motorbike around the country.
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Mental Health Motorbike at the MCIA Annual Conference 2023
(By Mark Johnson)
Mental Health Motorbike were privileged and excited to be invited to attend the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) Annual Conference at the National Motorcycle Museum on 24th January 2023.
Paul Oxborough (MHMotorbike Founder) and Mark JJ Johnson (MHMotorbike Trustee) attended the event and were given access to pop up our banner, talk to and mingle with the motorcycle industries top executives and leading industry personnel.
Topics for the day enabled us to get a real perspective and understanding on the future of the motorcycle industry and how this might impact our thinking to ensure we support the diversity and hot issues affecting our motorcycle community in the future. E.g. the global economy and impact on our sector, the UK Governments infrastructure strategy to support decarbonisation, alternative fuels. Issues I am sure we all have an opinion on. But each was very interesting and serious to understand and consider now and in the future. Other topics included, Road safety, Theft & Crime, Careers & Apprenticeships. A very rich and informative array from inside the motorcycle industry, which will help to inform our support network and effectiveness moving forward.
Included in the presentation was a special mention (and slide) to us Mental Health Motorbike and how the industry can involve themselves with and support us. This presence and privilege given to us by the MCIA was noted by all there, how could they ever miss our brand and logo! And we were able to have some super conversations and get a real feel for the commitment from those within the industry to support Mental Health Motorbike. These included the top executives from top manufacturers e.g Honda, Kawasaki, Royal Enfield, Ducati, BMW, Maeving. Also, representatives from media and other industry elements, e.g. MCN, VisorDown, BMF, NMC, DfT, DVLA, Institute of Couriers.
An excellent day and one which re-enforces our presence and commitment to support all the people within our motorcycling community and industry.....very exciting times ahead.
Mark JJ.
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We need your support to keep the charity running, can you give a few pounds each month? click on the link or scan QR code below ...
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Doing your best is enough
(By Martin Smith)
January is often when people feel that it’s a time for a fresh start. You can put last year behind you and move on with a blank page. Traditionally it’s a time of resolutions, but if you don’t set any goals that’s fine. There is no binding contract to do anything, despite the constant barrage of Dry January, Veganuary and high-pressure gym membership promotions. Focus on what you WANT to do and make positive life choices a day at a time, and on your terms.
Similarly, you might find that your motorcycle is sitting in the garage or under a tarpaulin. That’s no reflection on you despite those who claim to be all-year-round bikers. It's your choice and yours alone, let others do their own thing. Personally, I’m happy to tinker in the garage, browse the Internet for the latest bike parts, and plan that next big trip. The shorter day trips will come soon enough; hopefully, the rain will have subsided and washed away the road salt.
Instead of wondering if you should make better choices, eat less meat, drink less or ride your bike in the cold. At some point just remind yourself that you are doing your best. That is enough.
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MHFA COURSES
(By Karen Cole)
Mental Health Motorbike has an objective to have trained 1,000 Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) by the end of 2024. This will enable us to help more bikers than ever before, and keep me out of mischief while I’m trying to ensure all the administration is completed!
2023 has got off to a flying start, with our first 2 Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses completed already, with very positive feedback from participants . Our new instructor Chris Rollings has hit the ground running and is doing a fantastic job and helping us reach our target. Every course is also supported by one of the Mental Health Motorbike volunteers who give up so much of their time. Thank you all, you are wonderful!
We have 17 courses planned between now and the end of May, and the number keeps rising. To make these more accessible we have also introduced daytime dates alongside our usual evening courses. We currently have 225 people booked and waiting to join our team of Mental Health First Aiders.
Mental Health Motorbike is proud to be the British Superbikes nominated charity and we’re thrilled to welcome 41 Race Marshals within the 224 individuals who have booked on to our MHFA courses. We are working closely with RaceSafe to add to this number during the year, and we are looking forward to seeing our MHFA green badge sewn onto their orange overalls, and displayed at racetracks around the country; raising our profile and ensuring that all trackside staff and race teams know there is someone around who is happy to listen and support them at difficult times. This month Marshals Reading (Honda) have signed up 3 members of their dealership team and Phoenix Motorcycle Training have booked 23 places to ensure their network of rider training schools are all green badge holders.
For 2023 we want to see as many green badges as possible in motorcycle businesses, dealerships, biker meeting places and events. This will enable riders to #getoutanddostuff knowing that there will be someone there to help should they feel anxious or need some support (even if it is just a friendly face who is happy to take some time for a chat). Whilst you are out and about, if you visit anywhere where the owners might be interested in showing their support for bikers and becoming part of our green badge MHFA network please do ask them to contact me.
I have a few single evening spaces to fill in April and May, if you’d like to book one or if you’ve booked on a later course and would like to transfer to an earlier date, let me know
Karen (karen@mhmotorbike.com)
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If you'd like to book a course contact
karen@mhmotorbike.com
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Why not sign up to do a future MHFA course...?
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