Ride Out Of the Blue 2014

RIDE OUT OF THE BLUE IS HAPPENING AGAIN, FOR THE 3RD TIME!!

Addressing a very real problem that effects one in 3 New Zealanders.

Help us create awareness around suicide & depression within NZ!

10 Cyclists, 2330kms, 22 days Bluff to Cape Raising awareness for Depression and Suicide in New Zealand

Raising Funds For the Mental Health Foundation to go towards a Mindfulness In School Programme.

A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND

In 2011 Alison Blyth led the first Ride Out of the Blue, a cycle ride from Bluff to Cape Reinga raising awareness o depression and suicide in New Zealand and raising $30,000 for the Mental Health Foundation along the way. Alison was motivated to do the ride through her own experiences of helping family members deal with depression.

In 2012 the ride was led by Aidee Walker and again aimed to raise awareness of depression and suicide across the country and raise money for the Mental Health Foundation's Mindfulness Programme which was then in its infancy.

We succeeded on both counts, raising $46,000 and getting two segments on National Television.

To see our Close Up segment follow this link:

http://tvnz.co.nz/close-up/tuesday-november-6-5200122/video?vid=5200366 .

This year we are again riding from Bluff to Cape Reinga, taking a different route to the last two rides in order to visit a different selection of towns and cities. It is our privilege to be riding in support of the Mental Health Foundation, raising awareness of the work they are doing with the Mindfulness Programme and raising money to further support the cause.

Stress, anxiety and depression experienced during childhood can have long-reaching consequences for children, impacting their academic performance, self-esteem, mood, concentration and behaviour. The Mindfulness in Schools programme aims to prevent the development of childhood mental distress by encouraging positive mental health practices for children at primary school level.

We are passionate about supporting initiatives such as this.