A Belfast motorcycle meet-up is set to bring riders together to spark open conversations around mental health, using a shared passion for biking to break down stigma.

Hosted by renowned local artist Terry Bradley, “One Road” will take place at Bolt Deli on Sunday 10 May at 11am, inviting riders from across the country to come together over coffee in a relaxed, informal setting.

The event builds on the success of a previous motorbike gathering held at Titanic Belfast in 2024, which drew strong support from the local artist Terry Bradley. Delivered in partnership with AWARE NI and Bolt Deli, the event is designed to create a space where people can connect more openly, particularly those who may find it difficult to talk about how they’re feeling.

Terry Bradley, who has previously spoken openly about his own experiences with mental health, said: "One Road is about bringing people together through a shared passion and creating space for real conversations. For a lot of people, getting on a bike is more than just a ride, it's a way to clear your head and cope with what's going on. One Road is about giving people a place to go and talk."

The event will feature a showcase of unique motorcycles in the outdoor space at the front of Bolt Deli, with attendees encouraged to bring along their own bikes. A raffle will also take place on the day, with a bespoke Terry Bradley ‘Never Give Up’ print created especially for the event and other special items up for grabs.

Lesley Wright, Community and Fundraising Officer at AWARE NI, emphasised the importance of creating spaces where people feel able to open up, saying, “Starting conversations around mental health isn’t always easy, but events like ‘One Road’ help create a natural and supportive environment where people can connect and realise they’re not alone.”

AWARE NI relies on public fundraising to keep the doors of its 24 support groups open, services described as a “lifeline” by those who use them. The groups offer immediate support, with no waiting lists and no cost to attend, providing a vital space for people living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder across Northern Ireland.

Supporting the initiative, Keith McGregor, owner of Bolt Deli, said the team is proud to host the event, adding, “We’re really proud to support ‘One Road’ and host such an important event here in Belfast. Bolt Deli is usually closed on Sundays in observance of our faith, but we are opening specifically for this event. Creating a welcoming space where people can come together, connect and feel comfortable is at the heart of what we do, and we’re delighted to play a part in that, with all profits going to AWARE NI.”

Entry is free, with organisers encouraging riders and supporters alike to attend, highlighting the powerful role community and shared interests can play in supporting mental wellbeing.

Tags: AWARE | Fundraising | Mental Health | Northern Ireland