Jess Cunning - PukaUp's Cycle for Change 2022

As part of PukaUp’s Cycle for Change 2022 event in November, I’m cycling 313.9km in the Yarra Valley. Why 313.9km? For the 3139 people who took their own lives in 2020.

PukaUp is a cause-driven organisation that exists to end suicide. Their online course, 'Foundations of Wellbeing' means that every Australian can learn the knowledge and tools needed to manage their mental health proactively before reaching a crisis point.

This cause means a lot to me because I believe in the importance of open and honest conversations about our mental health. 

Most people know someone living with a mental health condition. For me, that person is me.

I've always found it hard to talk about my mental health journey. But not being open and honest about my mental health in the past led me to a point of crisis. 

So I'm riding the 3 day event for people like me who live with a mental health condition, to promote conversations about our mental health, reduce stigma and to encourage others to actively work on their mental health and wellbeing each day.

If doing this event and sharing my experience helps just one person, then I'll be happy.

Every $250 raised is a ‘Foundations of Wellbing’ entry for people in our community. The more we raise together, the more people’s lives we can positively impact.

If you're passionate about suicide prevention and believe in the importance of having mental health conversations, please donate and keep the conversations around mental health going. 

Thanks a bunch… 

Jess