Introduction
(by Paul Oxborough)
It feels like we are at a pivotal moment for the charity. We will shortly be announcing the volunteer regional and area coordinators the charity has appointed. This is the first step in adding much needed capacity across the country. Needless to say we are very excited!
It is always a real privilege getting out amongst our community at events because this year people know who we are, and who they are coming to engage with for support, and thank us. It finally feels like we are really making an impact.
A lot of our work is hidden involving one-to-one support online or at events, since Xmas we have received 58 letters or comments thanking us for our charity's support. This is very special and shows how important our work is. It is essential we acknowledge this support doesn't and cannot happen without the 20+ volunteers who give so much of their time - thank you!
We hope you enjoying the better weather and are getting out on your bikes, enjoy this months newsletter - Paul Oxo
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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK
16th - 21st MAY 2023
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WEEBLE'S WORLD
When life seems so complicated and disorganised, sometimes, all it needs is a little point in the right direction, a little help with untangling things and all will become clear. Like a wiring loom and a wiring diagram. Mental Health Motorbike can be the wiring diagram to the loom of your life. A little direction and help can make all the difference.
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Poorly Mental Health Motorbike
(By Paul Oxborough)
Over the last few weeks that Mental Health Motorbike has been a little bit poorly. The nine-year-old bike lost oil from its rear shock. But our friends at SD Motorcycles ( SD Motorcycles, Storforth Trading Estate, Chesterfield) have sorted it! The bike is up and running again.
Since the charity began they have serviced the bike, added new tyres, MOT'd it and kept it alive - free of charge, enabling it to do nearly 20,000 of trouble free miles.
We would like to thank Dave, Sean, Rob and Matt for their kindness and support in our charity. You are legends! Your support and generosity is astounding.
Check out their website -https://www.sdmotorcycles.co.uk 
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The Sidecar Guys
(By Paul Oxborough)
Guess who we met a few days ago? - none other than the legendary Sidecar Guys! They drove their burgundy Ural up to Chesterfield to meet some of our team to talk about our work. We then had an interesting ride around the Derbyshire countryside. This will be featured on YouTube series that are currently editing. They are doing a tour of the UK looking at interesting ways motorbikes are used, creating adventures and stories along the way. It was a little bit embarrassing because the Mental Health Motorbike was in the garage so the team arrived (Jade, Ross and Louise) on their bikes to rescue the situation. Our charity has a strong relationship with Matt and Reece and really support what they are doing with their adventures. Getting out on your bike really can help improve your headspace and bring you into contact with an incredible community. We will share a link once the series is edited. But thanks for featuring us!
These guys epitomise adventuring on bikes check out their website https://www.sidecarexperience.co.uk
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Annual Stafford Classic Bike Show
22nd & 23rd April 2023
The anticipation and excitement for me leading up to the show always gets me to fever pitch and my better half has to send me to my shed to calm down regularly, not that it bothers me!.
This year we had stand space provided to us by our No1 supporters Thorneycroft Solicitors, one of our very special partners and friends. Also, in attendance with us was Craig & Ken from UpRight Derbyshire Police. In addition, on Sunday 'HelloDave Racing' was there with his bike and we press-ganged him in to supporting us and getting photos for social media and stickers put on his bike, which he is racing in the BSB support BMW F900 category this season. Also, all the way from America just for the weekend was Eli Banish a young up and coming racer and all round good chap.
Myself & Debbie travelled across and set everything up first thing Saturday and ensured all prepped and ready to go from the off. We were supported by our volunteers Mark & Rob on Saturday and Sarah on Sunday. Big thank you to them for their support, they were excellent ambassadors for MHMotorbike and represented us with professionalism and respect, and will bring so much to continue and develop our work.
The event over 2 days was incredibly well attended with a whole array of classic bikes on display, some gleaming some not so gleaming! As always lots of auto jumble with rusty tanks and rusty tools and stalls selling anything from clothing to nuts & fasteners.
The weather Saturday was good and we managed to get a break and good look around. Some great bikes on display particularly early HD's & Indians (which won best in show) But, a great display of AJS, BSA, Triumph, & many others. inc. classic Japanese. We had plenty of steady interest and conversations through the weekend, some money went in the tins (not enough!) and lots of cards & leaflets handed out. We also, had lots of invites to events and interest in supporting us. Particular mention to Phil at NABD (National Association for Bikers with a Disability).
Massive thankyou to Mary @ Thorneycroft for her fantastic support and keeping us fed and watered.
As always for me an absolute pleasure and excitement to be at a national event supporting and promoting the work Mental Health Motorbike does to support its fellow bikers and enthusiasts.
Mark JJ Johnson (Trustee & ‘Old Classic’)
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SILVER DREAM RACER
I'm Si, 49 years old I live with my girlfriend Janine who is my full time carer and my 5 cats. I live for motorcycles and enjoy my Suzuki Hayabusa and Kawasaki zx6r b1h. I also enjoy riding my BMX bikes.
I decided I wanted to do something good for once and decided maybe to help a charity for people with mental health problems such as myself, I couldn't find the right people to work with I did contact a few charities but they were not much help but then one day I stumbled across Mental Health Motorbike and sent some messages, Paul got back to me and seemed very interested in my story and published it on his site. When I visited the NEC Paul was very nice and said he would love the green sticker to be on my bike and also said if walking around the NEC stressful then I could also go back to the Mental Health Motorbike stand and chill out which I did and that's when I met Weeble's World who gave me a sticker of Weeble and dog and ask if I could put it on my bike and take them on a journey with me. I also have Mental Health Motorbike stickers on the bike and carry cards and leaflets to shows and events to help get Mental Health Motorbike a bigger following and to show people there's nothing to be ashamed of to ask for help and that there are bikers, people we can trust, people that have the same crazy hobby we can reach out to.
The silver dream racer is my life I enjoy going to shows and events and running the bike at the Sturgate Straight and Elvington Runway 26, something that makes me feel human and part of society on par with others, the bike is my get away, my escape but even after all the mods it's not fast enough and I don't think ever will be no matter what I end up adding to it in the coming years.
I've struggled with mental health problems as far back as I can remember and I think it's getting worse but I'm learning new ways to deal with it every day to keep my head straight. Was seen as violent or evil or no hope my mental health was managed for years. I struggle to meet new people, I struggle to walk out of my own front door in case someone in the street is judging me. I cannot do simple tasks that I could of 20 years ago, don't do any shops in my own town, stay in the car, don't even like go in petrol stations with my helmet on so Janine normally fills a big Jerry can for me. Don't like looking in a persons eye while talking to them. I'm frightened of people because there a danger to me and I don't want to get into trouble. That's where the silver dream racer comes into things helmet on and do my thing.
Mental Health Motorbike has given me a sense to be part of something and use the few good things in me to help others because to be honest I've had no help ever, just the opposite and my life has being to hell and back until getting with Janine 9 years ago. Other things I've tried someone always lets you down, and because I can't explain things when angry, people just think you're crazy but Mental Health Motorbike made me feel good, calm and like I fitted in with people even though at the NEC when coming home I said to Janine that you probably thought I was crazy. That's me Si - the Silver Dream Racer x
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NGRRC THE GRAND NATIONAL EVENT
Castle Coombe 22-23rd April
There is always a sense of anticipation when the Charity gets invited to a new race event. The NGRRC Grand National event at Castle Coombe was one of those events. But we knew it would be special because our friends Jackie and Steve Solley were heading this up. When we arrived we were welcomed with open arms on the first thing we did was eat cake and drink cups of tea! We set up outside the ADMIN office which was a great location. We were treated to Race Marshals breakfast - then the hard work began. We met members of the public, riders, race marshals, event staff, paddock mechanics and families of riders. The racing was unbelievable and the atmosphere electric at times. We were able to put an interesting team of volunteers together and lots of outreach work took place speaking to the racing community. We would like to say a massive thank you to Selena, Nikki in the admin, Noel, Oz and the whole NGRRC TEAM for making us feel so very welcome. We are really looking forward to returning there in July to do this all again! Steve you said we would like it and my goodness you weren't wrong!
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Oz the man in orange!
(By Paul Oxborough)
This is Oz - a Race Marshal we met at the NGRRC Grand National event at Castle Coombe Circuit. A larger than life character who dedicates so much of his free time to look after the safety of others at race circuits (if you look closely you will see his green badge). From time to time these men and women do see some terrible accidents and sadly can be first on scene at fatalities. This will take a lot to get over particularly if it isn't discussed. So this year our charity has trained over 40 race marshals like Oz in mental health first aid. The idea is to create a network of support with the race paddock. We will be work with Steve and Jacqui Solley over the next few months to explore how we use this network to ensure we look after these heroes in orange. But to all the Oz's out there we want to salute you for doing a challenging job so we can get so much enjoyment from racing.
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Are you a race marshal who would like to do the mental health first aid training for free please email karen@mhmotorbike.com for more information
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Why not sign up to do a future MHFA course...?
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Mental Health First Aid Update
As the first quarter of 2023 comes to a close, we welcome 36 new MHFA’s to the Mental Health Motorbike Team in April. That brings us to a total of 205 MHFA’s trained since January (39 of these are Race Marshals). We are above target to meet our objective to train 1,000 MHFA’s by the end of 2024.
Not only are we above target, but many of these MHFA’s have volunteered and are already helping us. Some are joining us at events or supporting MHFA Courses, and others are even taking up the newly created area and regional coordinators roles.
Our coveted Green Helmet stickers are appearing in many more places – Congratulations and thanks to all of you!
This is great news, but we are beginning to see more course places going to waste. In April 12 people either cancelled at very short notice or just didn’t attend at all. We know life is unpredictable and that the best laid plans can go wrong, but we do urge anyone considering taking the MHFA course to think carefully before booking. Attending all 4 sessions is a big commitment.
The MHFA courses are heavily subsidised by Mental Health Motorbike and cost us far more per person than the £50 fee charged. The recommended price is over £300. If people don’t turn up, or cancel with less than 2 weeks’ notice, not only is the space wasted, but Mental Health Motorbike still have to pay the subsidy, and this comes directly from our donations.
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MHFA Volunteer Induction Sessions
All MHFAs are invited to attend one of our monthly Zoom induction sessions to find out more about Mental Health Motorbike and our volunteer roles available. Volunteers work at different levels within the charity based around what time they are able to give, and the induction session is an opportunity for you to ask questions and receive more information.
There are a variety of volunteer roles available to suit everyone, including :
· Working as a moderator on the online peer support group
· Offering short one-to-one online MHFA sessions
· Working with the team at events around the country
· Supporting the welfare of participants on future training courses
· Or more general volunteering using your skills
Our volunteer induction sessions are 1 hour long via Zoom.
The next session in on Tuesday 9th May 2023. If you would like to attend please make sure you register (please follow the link below).
Register in advance for this meeting running on Tuesday 9th May 2023 @ 8pm:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMufuihqTorGNEMu1mITefSu1KiSGY9QzDb
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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Postage Problems
If you experience any problems with post received from us, please report to office@mhmotorbike.com.
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REGIONAL CO-ORDINATOR UPDATE
(By Paul Oxborough)
We are very pleased to announce we have interviewed and appointed a number of regional and area coordinators. But what is the difference?
Area Coordinator Responsible for developing the work of Mental Health Motorbike in a town or city area where they have a good network or contacts. These people are responsible to the regional coordinator.
Regional Coordinator They will be responsible for a county or multiple county area and manage the area coordinators in their region. This is a strategic role and they will meet with board members work through their plans and to give regular updatesAs you can imagine this is a big job to implement so this year is all about setting the foundation stones and bedding the teams in. Slowly we will recruit more volunteers to fill the regional gaps. We will introduce the team in next months newsletter.
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INTRODUCING ASHLEY - REGIONAL COORDINATOR NORTHERN IRELAND
Hi, I’m Ashley Regional Coordinator for Northern Ireland
I ride a Yamaha Midnight Star, most of the time and Honda Shadow to keep it’s wheels turning, both cruisers or Arm-Chairs as referred to on occasions, and my Therapist Chair. I took an early retirement opportunity having had Encephalitis virus, swelling the brain (ABI). The Bike has a great Therapist, as part of my recovery. Initially I started with 1 mile loops, then my son gave me a target of 38 miles as a single run out. His reasoning being, I was to go to Isle of Man with him and 38 miles was a Lap of the track. And I DID IT; even though it took over 2 hours, such an achievement for me, at that time.
I’ve been biking on and off since I was 16. Since finding Mental Health Motorbike, I have attended numerous small bike shows, was Invited to the “Air ambulance Ride-out” as ambassador. The positive responses shows how worthwhile and necessary it is to Raise awareness of the charity. I see my Bike and spreading the word about MHM as part of my ongoing recovery
I’ve been asked by several clubs, if they can they schedule me in to give talks about the charity.
Looking forward to the future with Mental Health Motorbike.
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VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT
Are you passionate about the wellbeing and mental health of the biking community in your region – do you want to play a bigger part with Mental Health Motorbike?
We are in the process of recruiting regional coordinators - thank you to each and every one of you who has expressed an interest in these roles.
There will be other volunteer roles advertised during the coming months, please keep an eye out for adverts if you are interested in any of the following roles :
- Events Manager
- Fundraising Manager
- Training Administrator
- Marketing Manager
- Systems Manager
- And more Moderator roles
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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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Every little helps
(By Martin Smith)
It's almost like winter is a distant memory. This is despite the frequent wind and rain that reminds us that we are living in the UK. As bikers, we embrace every break in the weather and enjoy every ray of sunshine that is afforded to us.
Seeing so many photos of bikers getting out to all the usual day trip locations, the camping weekenders, and the longer touring excursions I am reminded of the capacity of the network we are building. Mental Health Motorbike has had an official representation at many events this year and will continue to do so. This promotes awareness of what we stand for and of the charity. But the people on the ground on their travels can make a real difference too.
For every MHFA course that concludes with a new group of Mental Health First Aiders proudly displaying their green badge, many more supporters make a difference armed with little more than the ability to talk and drink tea.
I recently met someone who recognised the Mental Health Motorbike logo. He didn’t know what it was, but he knew it meant something. Without banners, leaflets, or gazebos I spent a few minutes explaining what Mental Health Motorbike was, what we did and what the aims of the charity were. We can all do our bit, and every little bit helps.
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