Fremantle local Richard Liley is half-way through a gruelling 700km journey from Albany to Perth to fundraise for youth mental health.
He is among 150 pushing the pedals over the 4 1/2-day Hawaiian Ride for Youth, facilitated by Youth Focus. The not-for-profit charity offers professional, confidential support for young people aged 12 to 25.
This year marks the 24th anniversary of the inspiring event, which has raised more than $36 million for youth mental health services since its conception in 2003.
Mr Liley is on his fourth ride, inspired by personal mental health battles and the challenges that come with raising three teenage girls.
“We’ve had varying challenges with the kids through those years, some where they’ve been able to navigate it OK on their own and some where they’ve needed help from us or professional services,” he said.
“I’ve had bouts of depression over the years as well. I was keen to get involved in the ride because of the physical challenge side of it, but also being able to contribute to Youth Focus and the work they do, knowing how that impacts kids in those adolescent years.”
Mr Liley was also encouraged by his cousin James, who was one of the original riders in 2003 and has participated in every ride since.
Camera IconThe cyclists on the Hawaiian Ride for Youth will stop at 15 schools along the journey to talk about their experiences with mental health. Credit: Supplied
“He was hassling me for years to do it. He and I have a wonderful relationship, he’s someone I lean on if I’m having a tough time, and me for him. It’s wonderful to share the experience with him,” he said.
Riders travel in three pelotons – coastal, inland and Wheatbelt – visiting different schools in those regions along the way and sharing stories about their mental health experiences.
“That’s probably one of the highlights, where we can see the kids that may be going through those challenges and haven’t spoken up about it and show them it’s OK to talk about it,” Mr Liley said.
“We have the Youth Focus representatives with us when we do the visits, and often we’ll have the kids come up afterwards and reach out for help.”
Preparing for the event involved countless early morning wake ups, an extensive five-month training program covering about 7000km of riding, and plenty of community outreach. Each cyclist in the ride is expected to raise a minimum of $5000.
Mr Liley said riders hoped to raise $2 million this year, by organising sundowners, Bunnings sausage sizzles and a big breakfast in King’s Park hosted by MACA.
Camera IconTeam Trench Health & Fitness: (L-R) Peter Trench, Richard Liley, Ashlyn Kendall, Barry Elmslie, James Sutherland, George Boulden. Credit: Johan Schmidt/JohanSchmidtPhotography.com
“It’s so fulfilling doing something that gives back to your community. We’re all motivated to achieve that fundraising goal and raise awareness for Youth Focus,” he said.
Over the past financial year, Youth Focus has seen more than 3500 kids and provided more than 20,000 sessions, operating across 55 schools in WA.
“The money we raise from this event really helps them deliver those services,” Mr Liley said.
This year will also see plenty of new riders taking on the challenge and growing the legacy, with about 30 per cent riding for the first time.
Newman College counsellor Una Flynn rode for the first time last year, and was raring for a sequel.
“The purpose suits me because I felt that it really aligned with the work that I do, and I believe in supporting young people to access mental health services,” she said.
“One of the unfortunate things in Australia is that suicide is still the leading cause of death for young people, and if we can’t do anything about that, I think that’s a real indictment on our community.”
As a high school counsellor, Ms Flynn said she sees young people experiencing a range of challenges that can often feel isolating.
“Young people are struggling with that genuine sense of belonging and connection,” she said.
“I don’t think it’s all social media’s fault, however we’re growing up in an age where you can access digital connection, but is that genuine and is that enough?”
“There’s lots of challenges young people face, and they’ve got access to a lot of information but sometimes not necessarily the brain development or life experience to be able to process it,” she said.
Ms Flynn said raising awareness and funds for available support services, such as Youth Focus, was important to remind young people they were not alone.
Camera IconUna Flynn is a high school counsellor participating in her second Hawaiian Ride for Youth. Credit: Supplied
“We can’t underestimate the value of easy access services with no barriers, including no cost like the ones Youth Focus offer,” she said.
“We can’t underestimate the power of family, the power of community in schools and sporting clubs providing that sense of belonging.”
The Hawaiian Ride for Youth is a major part of Youth Focus’ campaign to develop youth mental health services in WA.
Ms Flynn and Mr Liley were committed to the cause – come rain, hail or shine.
“One of the great things is there’s always somebody on the team with a little more energy, and you do it together. When I’m struggling, I know I’m not doing it alone,” Ms Flynn said.
“By being part of something and being supported by our teammates, we’re also helping ourselves and showing others what it does to improve our own mental health as well.”
The event kicked off on March 24 and riders return to Perth on March 28, with a welcome home ceremony in King’s Park.
Reach Youth Focus here.