Helping people connect and seek support is at the heart of what the dapper men and women involved in the Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride (DGR) are all about.
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That's why there is "so much excitement" with their latest partnership with Movember, for a new community program aimed at better connecting male motorcyclists.
Earlier this month stage one funding from the DGR challenge kickstarted the new initiative - Solace Garage - which has launched at the PCYC in Wollongong.
Mark Mleczko, the sector manager at Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW, was "extremely thankful" fur the support.
"Our prime goal for Solace Garage will be to create a social community group linking at risk youth with mentors in a supportive environment around an interest in motorcycles," he said.
"We will look to increase meaningful contact between participants and create a safe place to discuss feelings around anxiety, depression and Isolation."
Mr Mleczko added that the support for Solace Garage allowed PCYC to run similar programs it runs through sports such as boxing.
We will look to increase meaningful contact between participants and create a safe place to discuss feelings around anxiety, depression and Isolation
- Mark Mleczko, the sector manager at Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW
"Not everyone is into sport, so linking into motorcycles is just another way we can engage more people into mental health," he said.
"It gives us the opportunity to work with a wider range of guys, mainly youth at risk and other male mentors."
PCYC plans to start running Solace Garage sessions in June, with drop-in sessions on Thursday nights and workshops once a month on a Sunday.
DGR founder Mark Hawwa was happy to support such a "worthy program".
"One of our main goals for The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride has been to deliver programs that directly support the mental health of men in motorcycling," he said.
"We're proud to have had the opportunity to pilot a local program in partnership with Movember in the DGR Social Connections Challenge to the men of Wollongong and Australia to help men learn how to build stronger and more meaningful connections within their community.
"It comes at the perfect time while we celebrate 10 years of DGR, and for us in Australia, the ability to come together again and ride dapper for men's health.
"It's been no surprise that with Jane Sim, our local volunteer host, at the helm the DGR event in Wollongong has gone from strength to strength every year.
"Since 2017 it has raised almost $240,000 and brought together nearly 1,000 riders from the Wollongong area."
This year's Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride will be held on Sunday, May 23.
The start location and route will be revealed to registered participants a few days prior to the event.
Distinguished Gentleman's Ride registrations here.
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