World Mental Health Day: TORQ Brings Vital Support to the Road Racing Community
Today is World Mental Health Awareness Day 💚
It’s good to talk, we all say. Sadly though, we’re not always very good at following our own advice; especially when our mental health is suffering. One group looking to spark the conversation is the Dan Kneen Charitable Fund. They have partnered with Rock2Recovery, to create TORQ: a ground-breaking welfare service available to anyone affected by a serious racing incident here at the Southern 100 as well as the TT, Classic TT & Manx Grand Prix.
Filling a previous void in rider health and welfare, TORQ strives to create positive change when it is needed the most. This may include the provision of refocusing support for competitors coming to terms with serious injury or the mental health issues attributable to long periods of recovery; coaching for the friends and family of competitors who have suffered life-changing injuries; or assistance for those sadly coming to terms with the sudden loss of a loved one.
‘Rock2Recovery’ was founded by Jamie Sanderson and Jason Fox following long careers as senior-ranking Royal Marines, which both ended with medical discharge. Whilst Rock2Recovery predominantly supports military veterans and emergency services personnel, the sorts of injury and trauma the charity helps with are only too similar to those experienced by some road racers – whether we can see them or not.
Having experienced their own traumas, the team at the Dan Kneen Charitable Fund also recognise the need for rapid preventative interventions for those affected by serious racing incidents. Losing Dan was painful for them all, but it also inspired the formation of the Fund as a meaningful legacy, with the creation of TORQ allowing Dan’s closest friends and family to better help people who find themselves in a similar place.
Whilst the charity has always been dedicated to supporting Dan’s friends and fellow racers, TORQ also acknowledges the unique role and invaluable contribution of race marshals – as well as hundreds of other volunteers – by offering them the exact same support service. TORQ is therefore an initiative of which Dan would be immensely proud, and stands as a wonderful tribute to a much-loved rider.
The TORQ service will be based in the race paddock, but support will remain available throughout the year for anyone affected by a racing incident. Whilst an exceptionally discreet service, the staff at TORQ can be easily reached via mobile or WhatsApp, or via the Southern 100 Welfare Team.
LEE JOHNSTON, TT WINNER AND TORQ PATRON
“Knowing how hard life is after a big accident, I feel it’s really important in our sport to have a rider welfare and mental health support service like TORQ. It was really good to have Rock2Recovery on the end of the phone to talk things through and, honestly, I can’t tell you just how much it has helped me.”
LEANNE HARPER, DAN KNEEN CHARITABLE TRUST
“Our charity has always helped those affected by serious racing accidents, but through TORQ we can contribute in a more purposeful way. We truly feel this initiative is a fitting legacy for Dan and will ensure his spirit of camaraderie lives on in the road racing paddock for many years to come. We see TORQ as Dan offering an outstretched hand to his racing family in times of need.”
HEATHER MELVIN, ROCK2RECOVERY
“We are excited for this opportunity to work with the Dan Kneen Charitable Fund. TORQ is a new initiative on the Isle of Man for Rock2Recovery and will be in addition to coaching members of our Armed Forces, veteran community and emergency services; as well as their families. Working together we aim to change the lives of all those affected by stress.”
Anyone who would like the support of TORQ or Rock2Recovery outside of the event can call 01392 642960 or email contact@torq.im, please let them know you are calling from the Dan Kneen Charitable Fund.
