Cycle Around the Globe returns for the ninth year running to raise awareness of suicide prevention. The free, virtual cycling event commences on World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) and continues to World Mental Health Day (10 October).
The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) leads the global effort in suicide prevention. World Suicide Prevention Day and the month-long period up to World Mental Health Day, is the primary opportunity throughout the year to raise awareness of suicide and reduce the stigma surrounding it and encourage conversations.
Every 45 seconds someone takes their life, an estimated 703,000 people a year globally. For each suicide, approximately 135 people suffer intense grief or are otherwise affected, resulting in 108 million people annually, who are profoundly impacted by suicidal behaviours. For every suicide, 25 people make a suicide attempt and many more have serious thoughts of suicide. World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on 10 September every year, exists as a platform to raise awareness of suicide and to promote preventative measures that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally.
Participants will have the opportunity to challenge friends, family and colleagues, encourage competition through the online leader boards, connect Strava to automatically contribute distances, as well as the option to set up a fundraising campaign if they wish to raise funds. IASP encourages participants to share their stories and upload images to inspire and motivate participants from around the world to amplify the global conversation on suicide prevention.
The triennial World Suicide Prevention Day theme, ‘Creating Hope Through Action’, encourages people from anywhere around the world to engage in a collaborative effort to cycle any distance on any road, track or gym to help prevent suicide. By encouraging understanding, reaching in and sharing experiences, IASP wants to give people the confidence to take action. Preventing suicide requires us to become a beacon of light to those in pain. You can be the light.
Registrations are now open. Register as an individual or sign up as a team here.
