A cyclist is stopping-
After surviving a suicide attempt in May 2015, Josh Quigley is cycling around the world, telling his story and encouraging people around the world to talk about mental health to break down the associated social and cultural stigma and encourage others to seek support.
Dubbed the Tartan Explorer, He plans to visit 29 towns and cities across Scotland in 33 days.
Scottish mental health charity, See Me, is supporting Josh Quigley in his adventure.
While on Lewis, local See Me community champion, Murdo Macleod, will take Josh to visit the Western Isles Association for Mental Health and meet people there, before heading to the Callanish Stones.
Murdo said: “I think it is important to support Josh as the cycle journey he is undertaking is a metaphor for the recovery and reconstruction journey that we are on following major mental health trauma and breakdown.”
Eleanor Ogilvie, See Me community manager, said: “Although the suicide rate in Scotland is decreasing there is still a lot of work to be done, especially around male suicides. The most recent statistics showed the suicide rate for men was more than two and a half times that for women.
“Men can find it hard to speak out about how they are feeling, often for fear of the reaction they will face due to the stigma that still surrounds having a mental health condition."
She added: “Everyone needs to know it is okay not to be okay and it is important to speak about mental health, as Josh is showing.
“Cycling around the edge of Scotland to get people talking about mental health and suicide is an amazing effort and an incredible personal challenge.
“Throughout the cycle our community champions, who are working to tackle stigma in their own communities, are meeting with Josh, supporting him in his challenge and encouraging people to come together to help end mental health discrimination.
“We want to wish Josh luck and encourage everyone to get out and give him your support.”
Mental health campaigner on epic cycle trip
12 April 2016