What is Bike and Blether?
Bike and Blether aims to help break down the barriers and reduce the stigma of having conversations about mental wellbeing and help create a culture of inclusivity in cycling clubs. Bike and Blether Champions deliver rides in their clubs and groups as a first step to creating positive mental wellbeing environments in clubs.
We know that being active is great for your physical and mental wellbeing. Bike and Blether focuses on the activity of cycling to deliver these benefits, by creating an inclusive environment for all abilities, whilst connecting with each other. It’s the social connections that create the supportive environment and encourages people to come back and share any problems if they want to.
What are the Mental Health and Wellbeing Information Sessions?
These sessions are all online and delivered by Kirsty Ewen, Physical Activity Partnership & Development Lead at SAMH. The sessions are intended to develop the knowledge and understanding of Bike and Blether volunteers, to help break down barriers and reduce the stigma of having conversations about mental wellbeing. The topics and proposed dates* for the route map of mental health and wellbeing sessions are below:
| Thursday 10th October | 6-7.30pm | Maintaining Wellbeing |
| Tuesday 29th October | 6-7pm | Embed the 5 Ways |
| Thursday 28th November | 6-7.30pm | Mental Health Awareness Part 1 |
| Tuesday 17th December | 6-7.30pm | Mental Health Awareness Part 2 |
| Thursday 16th January | 6-7.30pm | How to Have a Mental Health Conversation |
| Tuesday 11th February | 6-7.30pm | Managing Anxiety |
| Thursday 6th March | 6-7.30pm | Introduction to Suicide Prevention |
| Tuesday 25th March | 6-7pm | Reflection Session |
*Please note these dates may be subject to change depending on availability of Bike and Blether Champions
As a Bike and Blether Champion delivering Bike and Blether rides, you are not intended to be a mental health expert. Instead, you are there to create that inclusive space for anyone to come along on your Bike and Blether rides, have a chat and enjoy riding their bike with others.
What is the commitment if I become a Bike and Blether Champion?
As a Bike and Blether Champion, we ask that you commit to attending all (or as many as possible) the Mental Health and Wellbeing Sessions delivered by SAMH during October to March (see dates and times above).
We also ask that you:
- Pledge to support Mental Health within your club/group environment
- Focus on the benefits cycling can have on those who take part, whilst being aware of mental health and sign-post people as required
- Plan and are happy to lead Bike and Blether rides at your club/group (the frequency of these is entirely up to you!)
- Attend SC Mental Health Project debrief/learning sessions to help develop the programme
I am interested in becoming a Bike and Blether Champion, what should I do next?
Please email [email protected] to sign up and receive the Zoom link for the first session on Thursday 10th October, which will focus on Maintaining Wellbeing.