R U OK?Day – let’s connect with and support those around us
R U OK?Day is Thursday 10 September 2020. It’s a national day of action to remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” if someone in your world is struggling with life’s ups and downs.
‘There’s more to say after R U OK?’
2020 has been a challenging year for many and circumstances have made it even more important for us all to stay connected and, for those who are able, be willing to support those around us.
We have a responsibility to help people in our community feel safe and supported. We need to encourage everyone to look out for each other, especially when we think someone might be struggling.
We need to increase people’s confidence and capacity to talk to each other about life’s ups and downs.
A conversation could change a life
Early-intervention and open communication can reduce stigma, break down barriers and build trust which in turn promotes long-term, positive behavioural change that saves lives now and into the future.
A simple way to provide support is by genuinely asking “Are you OK?” and being prepared to have regular meaningful conversations to help someone who might be struggling to feel supported when confronted with challenges in life whether at home, work, school or in sport.
Learn more about R U OK?Day at www.ruok.org.au
On their site you can download a very practical and useful conversation guide that can guide you through how to ask, then listen, encourage action and check in. It includes:
- How conversations can make a difference
- The signs it might be time to start a conversation
- Simple, practical tools to help you have a conversation
- Managing emotional reactions during a conversation
- Useful contacts for someone who’s not OK
By knowing what to say you can help someone feel supported and access appropriate help long before they’re in crisis, which could change their life.
So, let’s all do what we can to meaningfully connect with and support those around us.