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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<\/p>\nFremantle local Richard Liley is half-way through a gruelling 700km journey from Albany to Perth to fundraise for youth mental health.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Mr Liley is on his fourth ride, inspired by personal mental health battles and the challenges that come with raising three teenage girls.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had varying challenges with the kids through those years, some where they\u2019ve been able to navigate it OK on their own and some where they\u2019ve needed help from us or professional services,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was hassling me for years to do it. He and I have a wonderful relationship, he\u2019s someone I lean on if I\u2019m having a tough time, and me for him. It\u2019s wonderful to share the experience with him,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s probably one of the highlights, where we can see the kids that may be going through those challenges and haven\u2019t spoken up about it and show them it\u2019s OK to talk about it,\u201d Mr Liley said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have the Youth Focus representatives with us when we do the visits, and often we\u2019ll have the kids come up afterwards and reach out for help.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Mr Liley said riders hoped to raise $2 million this year, by organising sundowners, Bunnings sausage sizzles and a big breakfast in King\u2019s Park hosted by MACA.<\/p>\n
![\"Team](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/3cce8df194aaa3ba4596dea7e5e1837576f8ff6b.jpg\")
Camera IconTeam Trench Health & Fitness: (L-R) Peter Trench, Richard Liley, Ashlyn Kendall, Barry Elmslie, James Sutherland, George Boulden. Credit: Johan Schmidt\/JohanSchmidtPhotography.com<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so fulfilling doing something that gives back to your community. We\u2019re all motivated to achieve that fundraising goal and raise awareness for Youth Focus,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe money we raise from this event really helps them deliver those services,\u201d Mr Liley said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Newman College counsellor Una Flynn rode for the first time last year, and was raring for a sequel.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the unfortunate things in Australia is that suicide is still the leading cause of death for young people, and if we can\u2019t do anything about that, I think that\u2019s a real indictment on our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a high school counsellor, Ms Flynn said she sees young people experiencing a range of challenges that can often feel isolating.<\/p>\n
\u201cYoung people are struggling with that genuine sense of belonging and connection,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s all social media\u2019s fault, however we\u2019re growing up in an age where you can access digital connection, but is that genuine and is that enough?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s lots of challenges young people face, and they\u2019ve got access to a lot of information but sometimes not necessarily the brain development or life experience to be able to process it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Camera IconUna Flynn is a high school counsellor participating in her second Hawaiian Ride for Youth. Credit: Supplied<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can\u2019t underestimate the value of easy access services with no barriers, including no cost like the ones Youth Focus offer,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can\u2019t underestimate the power of family, the power of community in schools and sporting clubs providing that sense of belonging.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Hawaiian Ride for Youth is a major part of Youth Focus\u2019 campaign to develop youth mental health services in WA.<\/p>\n
Ms Flynn and Mr Liley were committed to the cause – come rain, hail or shine.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the great things is there\u2019s always somebody on the team with a little more energy, and you do it together. When I\u2019m struggling, I know I\u2019m not doing it alone,\u201d Ms Flynn said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy being part of something and being supported by our teammates, we\u2019re also helping ourselves and showing others what it does to improve our own mental health as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event kicked off on March 24 and riders return to Perth on March 28, with a welcome home ceremony in King\u2019s Park.<\/p>\n