Thursday 8 September is a National Day of Action for R U OK?Day so remember to check in with friends, family and colleagues.
Thousands of Australians will take part in events across the country, with the key message that you don’t need qualifications to ask someone if they are OK, we already have what it takes to support people in our worlds.
‘Ask R U OK? No qualifications needed’ comes in response to research which found four in ten Australians feel asking someone, ‘are you OK?’ is a conversation better had with an expert.
Katherine Newton, R U OK? CEO, said: “We want people to think about who in their world might be struggling and feel confident to check in with them and offer support.
“If you want some guidance and tips on how best to start a meaningful conversation and importantly how to keep that conversation going if someone says, “No I’m not OK”, we have a host of free resources you can use.
“We want everyone to know you don’t need to be an expert to have an R U OK? conversation because listening and giving someone your time might be just what they need to help them through a difficult period in their life.
“The work of health professionals is vital, and their value cannot be underestimated, however by having regular R U OK? conversations, we can help those we care about feel supported before they are in crisis and, if that conversation does get too big for us, we can guide them to seek professional help.”
More than 80 per cent of people say authentic R U OK? conversations are making a positive difference, so by genuinely asking the question you could do something special for someone.
R U OK? will be holding a FREE webinar at 12:00 AEST on Thursday 8 September, to help people understand the importance of an R U OK? conversation and how such conversations can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Register here: https://ruokday22.eventbrite.com.au
Visit ruok.org.au for free resources to help you have an R U OK? conversation and plan your R U OK?Day activities.
For support at any time of day or night, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
