Movember and The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride have teamed up to announce The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Social Connections Challenge in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK and the US.
The new initiative will leverage funds raised by The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride community, creating a funding pool of AUD $1.15 million, to find ideas that can improve the social connectedness, life satisfaction and mental wellbeing of motorcycle riders.
Riding can be inherently isolating. Commonly, men experiencing mental health challenges don't ride to talk, they ride to escape. We're 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 wellbeing.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Social Connections Challenge will operate in two phases. Phase 1 will see 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, Movember’s Global Director of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention believes passionately in the impact that community-based interventions can deliver.
“Movember 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 life’s challenges. Funds raised from The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride have enabled this opportunity and it’s great to be able to give back to make what we hope is a lasting impact on motorcycling communities.”
Mark Hawwa, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Founder, is thrilled to see funds raised by the motorcycling community going into back into programs designed to improve the mental health and wellbeing of riders.
“The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride began to help build positive connections between riders and their health. Since 2013, our community has tirelessly fundraised to make a positive impact on men’s health programs and awareness.
"Along with Movember, we are recognising that men in motorcycling are unique, so we are taking the 'going to where men are' approach to nurture and grow more accessible and engaging programs targeted to men in motorcycling.
"We are proud to announce The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Social Connections Challenge to fund new programs that will give back to our riders using funds they have raised to make a difference to them."
Justin “JC” Coghlan, Movember’s Global Innovations Director, adds:
“Movember has had a focus on social connectedness and shoulder-to-shoulder conversations since way back and ensuring that men take the time to check in with their friends.
"It’s been so inspiring to watch our partnership with The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and their incredible team and community not only come together and stay socially connected, but also, in the process, raised over an extraordinary AUD $21 million to power Movember’s game-changing and life-saving programs.
"I’m really proud to see this new initiative come to light, which will provide an opportunity for riders and the motorcycle community to help create new ideas and innovative concepts that can bring men together and create stronger connections and healthier lives.
"Working alongside Mark and his team, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is building upon the message of health promotion, prevention and early intervention and we are all looking forward to seeing the innovative ideas that come from this.”
If you are interested in submitting an idea, please click here to learn more or email dgrchallenge@movember.com. The closing date for submissions in all markets is 6 July 2020, 5:00pm EDT.
For more information on Movember funding opportunities, head to movember.com/about/funding.
For information about The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, head to gentlemansride.com/about/.
