Moate among one of the first stops on Console Cycle

Console, who recently opened the Midlands Counselling Centre in Athlone, are asking the people of Westmeath to join in on a one-day cross country cycle.

Over 250 Console cyclists will, on Saturday June 11, highlight the fight against suicide. 

The cyclists on the Console East-West trek from Celbridge to Galway will stop off in Kinnegad at around 8.30am and in Moate at 11.15am. 

Locals are being invited to come and join them in supporting the national suicide prevention charity providing free services across the region.

The 200 kilometre trek aims to raise funds and awareness for the charity particularly Console's free 24/7 helpline 1800 247247. 

'Everything raised from this cycle goes to ensuring that Console’s services are free and readily accessible, so people in need can get help when they need it most,” said CEO Paul Kelly. 

Travelling on the old Dublin to Galway road, the Console cyclists will stop four times en route to raise much needed funds for the charity, with Kinnegad and Moate first on the list. 

'Each year we have to raise around €1 million to provide our services nationwide so we are inviting the people of Westmeath to come out to cheer our intrepid cyclists and perhaps make a contribution to the cause.' 

“At our rest stops we will be handing out Console 1800 247247 wristbands and other information so people are aware that hope and help are always available from Console.” 

Cycle sponsors Bus Eireann Galway will be providing back-up services for the cyclists on route and transport for them on their return trip to Dublin. 

'We have a full support crew of escorts, medics and bike mechanics, and Bus Eireann buses so those who need to can take a break,' said Paul Kelly.

The 250 strong Console crew expect to arrive in Galway by around 6.30 pm when they will stay overnight and enjoy an evening's entertainment in the city's Clayton Hotel before returning to Dublin the next day courtesy of Bus Eireann.

Console offers counselling services and 24-hour helpline support to people in crisis and those bereaved by suicide.

The charity has full-time counselling centres in Athlone, as well as Dublin, Limerick, Cork, Wexford, Galway, Kerry, and Mayo. It also offers services in Kildare and Ennis and has recently opened a service in London.

Counselling, advice and general support is available for any individual, couples, groups, families or children who have been affected by suicide.

Console can be reached at any time on freephone 1800 247 247 and many resources and useful information can be found at www.console.ie.