With Guru’s grace we are looking forward to holding the Sikh Helpline’s 4th Charity Bike Ride event on 1st October 2017. Last year’s bike ride proved to be a huge success in bringing the community together, promoting health and well-being, whilst raising the much needed funds for the Sikh Helpline. Giani Sukha Singh, The C.E.O of The Sikh Helpline, said, “We continue to receive high call volumes on issues ranging from grooming, suicide, domestic abuse through to racism and substance addiction. Due to cultural barriers and protection of ‘honour’ within the local community,victims often suffer in silence. We continue to provide the dedicated support these callers need and with generous fundraising we have recruited a Counselling Specialist with an understanding of these issues and barriers, and an administrator for providing dedicated support for coordinating new projects, initiatives and network-building with key agencies”
Strong collaborations have been built with external agencies including West Midlands Police (main sponsor 2017).
Chief Constable, Dave Thompson said, “The Sikh Helpline and our Public Protection Unit officers have forged an effective working relationship and have appeared several times on TV to inform our communities of the issues around domestic abuse, child sex exploitation and substance misuse… I’m pleased we can support the good work they do and look forward to a successful bike ride“.
The Chair
Sergeant Harvinder Singh Rai also added ” We have had a close and fruitful journey with the Sikh helpline and delighted to support the great work they do.“ Inspector Gagy Bedi states “Training has been provided to Sikh Helpline staff to ensure that they are fully versed with methods of reporting and safe-guarding victims”.
Up to 100 cyclists will take part in the 2017 bike ride, setting off on the 24 mile bikeride journey stopping at 12 West Midlands Sikh Gurdwaras and not forgetting Mr Singhs, all aiming to raise awareness for the ‘Every Call Matters’. Cyclists including the local community, police officers, priests, local business owners and teachers, will be greeted at each stop with free food and drink (Langar) as well as amazing Kirtan (Sikh hymns) showing support to the work of the Sikh Helpline.
Co-founder of leading agency ‘loveyourpostcode.com’ Bobby Singh said, “Sikh Helpline is important and thrives on helping all without judgment. The bike ride is a key event in order for the Sikh Helpline to continue helping the most vulnerable in need of support” We need the support of the local communities to help us keep up with the increasing demand of calls. Every call matters and a missed call may be the only attempt someone makes for help. It is crucial that every call is answered. “Exhilarating, loved every moment of it. As a first timer I completed the 24 mile Bike Ride, which is an awesome feeling!! Can’t wait for next year!” – Cyclist Jas Rai
You can donate with the following options:
- Visit: www.sikhhelpline.com
- Set up a direct debit to: Name: Sikh Helpline Account Number- 38178877 Sort code 56-00-69
- Via cheque to: Sikh Helpline and post to 86 Birmingham St, Oldbury, West Midlands, B69 4EB
- Text: GURU13 £10 to 70070