TDS FROM ACROSS the political spectrum are to saddle up for Cycle Against Suicide, a national suicide awareness initiative.

The Cycle Against Suicide takes place around Ireland from Monday 22 April to Sunday 5 May 2013, and among those taking part will be Fianna Fáil TD Micheal Martin, Labour TD Arthur Spring and Fine Gael TD Mary Mitchell O’Connor.

Jim Breen, CEO and Founder of PulseLearning, devised the cycle after taking part in the TV documentary The Secret Millionaire, during which he visited a suicide awareness group.

He said:

Suicide doesn’t discriminate on the basis of age, gender or social background. It’s fantastic to have such cross party support here today; fighting shoulder to shoulder to break the cycle of suicide in Ireland. I am delighted that so many TD’s and Senators will be joining us as we cycle around the country, visiting 28 schools and colleges, hosting exhibitions of local mental health services, and arranging a series of mental health talks during the cycle.

In excess of two thousand people – double what was initially expected – will be part of the Cycle Against Suicide, added Breen.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said:

The Cycle Against Suicide is a really tangible and practical way for people to help break the cycle for suicide in Ireland. The Cycle Against Suicide tagline – It’s OK not to feel OK, and that it’s more than OK to ask for help, is a really powerful statement.

Fine Gael TD, Mary Mitchell O’Connor added: “We need to continue to spread that message and to teach our young people that depression, anxiety and stress, sadly, are sometimes part of everyday life; but that there is help available and that there is a way out.”

Participants can take part in a section of each 50 km leg, an entire leg, multiple legs, or even complete the entire cycle. To learn more, visit www.cycleagainstsuicide.com. You can also follow @CASuicide on twitter.

Read: Report: Irish rate of young male suicide ‘among EU’s highest’>