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Cyclists embarked on epic cycle in a bid to ignite difficult conversations surrounding youth mental health

Headshot of Tom Shanahan
Tom ShanahanGreat Southern Herald
Ride for Youth coming through Kojonup
Camera IconRide for Youth coming through Kojonup Credit: Picture: Tom Shanahan

Winding their way from town to town, more than 50 parents, farmers, business owners and other West Australians set out on an epic ride across the region to encourage young people to speak up about mental health.

The convoy of riders set off from Gnowangerup in the early hours last Wednesday as part of the 700km Ride for Youth across regional WA to Perth.

The group rode along major highways and stopped off at several towns, including Kojonup and Katanning, to speak at schools and events about the risks of leaving mental health issues unspoken about.

Brad Miller, who lost his sister four years ago to her mental health struggles, gave a powerful speech at Kojonup District High School.

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Speaking in Kojonup, Youth Focus chief executive Arthur Papakotsias said his organisation’s counselling services had experienced a 34 per cent rise over the year.

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Jarrod Cousins and Mark Gratzer
Camera IconJarrod Cousins and Mark Gratzer

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