GOOSEBERRY Hill rider Troy Taylor and three of his mates from Glen Forrest will ride from Bunbury to Balcatta to raise funds and help promote R U OK Day.

The Glen Forrest riders, Lincoln Smith, Rod Greenup and Richard Elliot will join the Wheels of W3ll-Being, a group of social cyclists who utilise their hobby to do great things for those in need of support.

The team are riding in aid of R U OK and have aligned the dates with Rail R U OK Day, due to the team’s connection to the local rail industry, with two members of the team being managers at Forrestfield’s Aurizon, the largest rail freight organisation in Australia.

Wheels of W3ll-Being spokesperson Troy Taylor said he had personal experience in the mental health area.

“Within my own family there are people who have suffered with anxiety and depression their whole life and I also lost a friend to suicide a little over three years ago,” he said.

“In this day and age there are so many that suffer with poor mental health, feeling isolated, anxious and depressed. It is estimated that each day eight of these people take their own lives, with a further 30 attempting to do so.

“If we can help R U OK just a little in their vision, then the benefits can be significant with effects far- reaching. The overall purpose of this ride and Wheels of W3ll-Being is to build connection, be safe, have fun and do good in the process,” Mr Taylor said.

Rail R U OK is a collaborative campaign between the TrackSAFE Foundation and R U OK, supporting those struggling with life by empowering people to build meaningful connection with the aim of reducing suicide across Australia.   

The TrackSafe Foundation, established by the Australasian Railway Association and UGL in 2012, is Australia’s only harm prevention charity focused on reducing deaths, injuries and near-hits on the rail network.

A TrackSafe spokesperson said the organisation wanted to inspire and empower the rail sector to create a safe, supportive R U OK? culture, and encourage workmates to look out for one another every day of the year.

The foundation also works to improve the wellbeing of rail employees and their next day of action will be held on Thursday, April 3.

There are many local businesses supporting the group through their sponsorship including Weld West from South Guildford, Steps Together Children’s Therapy from Forrestfield and Empowered Centre from Midland among others.

When asked why supporting the ride was important to her, Ellen Taylor from Steps Together Children’s Therapy said mental health was important for people of all ages, genders and walks of life but was still not understood or talked about enough.

“In my work, I spend a lot of time supporting little people to understand and cope with feelings, and knowing that it’s ok to not be ok. R U OK is a great resource to send this message to the rest of us.”

Donations can be made at https://join.ruok.org.au/fundraisers/troytaylor/wheels-of-w3ll-being