“I was on Instagram and I follow Wayne pretty heavily in regards to mental health,” Mr Sands said.“I met him a few years ago. He came up and skied with us a couple of times.“He flicked me a message and asked if I wanted to get involved and there was no hesitation - especially in this environment we're in at the moment.”
This year Sands, along with fellow cyclist and local Kevin Laffy, are partnering up with Puka Up for the 2021 ride.They'll be cycling 331.8 kilometres from November 19-21 in honour of those lives lost.
In 2019, suicide claimed the lives of 3318 people.
Sands, a champion water skier and business owner of Brett Sands Watersports, is also raising funds for the preventative wellbeing course designed specifically for Australian businesses called “Foundations of Wellbeing.”
One in five Australian workers are currently battling a mental health condition - a figure spurring research by Puka Up and the University of Melbourne into how best to deliver guidance and program on mental health in the workplace.
This year’s ride is shaping to be a timely recognition of mental health awareness and suicide prevention as Victoria, and many parts of Australia, continue to grapple with the ongoing strain of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I think the most important thing is just making sure we're asking our mates the question, and that the conversation gets up and running,” said Sands.
“It's a really important time to just get that conversation going with friends and family: ‘Are you ok?’
“Especially people in business - a lot of people have lost jobs.“
The money raised is going towards scientific research.
“They're doing some science-based research on how to deliver (mental health) programs, especially to companies and their employees.”
In just one month, Mr Sands has already raised $3870, and said the exceptional backing from the local community has gone a long way in supporting the cause.
Moama Bowling Club is also backing the cycling fundraiser, partnering with Puka Up and sponsoring Mr Sands in his cycle.
“The town has been unreal, and everyone is really aware of what's going on,” he said.
“There's been some great support locally and also from out of town.
“The support's just been unbelievable; people are giving me vouchers to auction. I had pizza delivered the other night and there was a voucher there to auction off.”
For Sands, he can already see the effects of opening the door for conversation surrounding mental health.
“To me, it's already working,” he said.
“I've had some people reach out to me via Facebook, just personally saying that they've had some issues in the past or they're having issues and that we're doing a great job raising awareness.
“We just all need to be looking out for each other at the moment - there are some people doing it really hard.”
You can donate to Mr Sands’ fundraising cycle's GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/cb03471b.
● If you or anyone you know needs help, resources are available:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Beyondblue: 1300 224 636
Qlife: 1800 184 527
Mensline: 1300 78 99 781800
Respect: 1800 426 820
Dolly's Dream support line: 0488 881 033
Headspace Australia: 1800 650 890
