The new initiative will leverage funds raised by The Distinguished Gentlemanโs Ride community, creating a funding pool of AUD $1.15 million, to find ideas that can improve the social connectedness, life satisfaction and mental well being of motorcycle riders.
Riding can be inherently isolating. Commonly, men experiencing mental health challenges donโt ride to talk, they ride to escape. Weโre looking to develop initiatives that they want to ride toward.
We want to improve the social connection between motorcyclists because we know, in general, people who are satisfied with their relationships and social connections are more likely to experience good mental health and well being.
The Distinguished Gentlemanโs Ride Social Connections Challenge will operate in two phases. Phase 1 will see a maximum of 25 development grants, valued at up to AUD $7,500, awarded internationally. These grants will enable applicants to ideate, pitch and develop their idea.
Phase 2 will see a maximum of 10 pilot project grants, valued at up to AUD $75,000, allocated to selected initiatives. These grants will enable the most promising initiatives to be delivered in pilot format.
Brendan Maher, Movemberโs Global Director of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention believes passionately in the impact that community-based interventions can deliver.
โMovember is excited about finding new ways to help men create stronger connections. We know that getting involved in hobbies or shared interests can really help strengthen our sense of belonging and build a strong foundation of support when we experience lifeโs challenges. Funds raised from The Distinguished Gentlemanโs Ride have enabled this opportunity and itโs great to be able to give back to make what we hope is a lasting impact on motorcycling communities.โ
Weโre looking for ideas that:
โข Cast a wider net to engage socially isolated
men and strengthen social connections
โข Leverage opportunities to engage hard-to-
reach men
โข Strengthen peer-to-peer support
โข Improve knowledge about mental health and
suicide prevention
โข Create opportunities for role modelling and
mentorship
For more information and to join in with your ideas head to the link โ
https://www.gentlemansride.com/blog/dgr-scc
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