Ride to reduce stigma of mental health issues

Deputy premier Roger Cook stopped at Australind Senior High School on Friday among a pelaton of riders that were raising awareness of youth mental health issues and reducing the stigma over the issue.

More than 180 cyclists covered 700km on a five-day journey of the West Australian coast as part of the Hawaiian Ride for Youth, with riders also stopping at Bunbury Senior High School on the journey that raised $2.25 million.

The annual event saw four groups of riders start from Geraldton or Albany and making their way to Perth via four different routes; the South West, Great Southern, Wheatbelt and Mid West.

Mr Cook, who is also Health Minister, said the cause was worth the fatigue he was feeling in his legs.

“There is a growing incidence of mental health issues in the community, so now more than ever we have to get rid of the stigma, raise the awareness and make sure we have as many resources that we can put in to help people.”

The ride raised $2.25 million.