R U OK? Day

3 September 2021

R U OK? Day is a national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that you can ask ‘are you ok?’ any day and support those struggling with life’s challenges. RU OK? Day will be Thursday, 9 September 2021. This year the message is: Are they really OK? Ask them today.

Life's ups and downs happen to all of us. So chances are someone you know might be struggling. Your genuine support can make a difference whatever they are facing, big or small. So, don’t wait until someone’s visibly distressed or in crisis. Make a moment meaningful and ask them how they’re really going.

The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Patrick is encouraging all of us to make some time to meaningfully reach out and offer support.

“Just by starting a conversation and asking RU OK?, we can make a difference to someone struggling with life, and we help them find professional support when and where it’s needed,” Mayor Conolly said.

“I recommend you look at the RU OK website at ruok.org.au for more information, or to access resources for your workplace or school.”

Do you know how the people in your world are really going? Are they really OK? Ask them today. Your conversation could change a life.

R U OK? is also calling on Australian tradespeople to add conversation skills to their toolkits and has released ‘Tradies Tools to Talk’ to help them know when and how to ask their workmates ‘are you OK?’.

“The impact of COVID-19 has increased uncertainty for a workforce already dealing with job insecurity pressures and the inability to adopt a Work From Home model,” Mayor Conolly said.

The pressures of job insecurity, financial position and intense physical demands are part of the everyday life of a tradesperson. Coupled with life challenges that anyone can face, such as relationship difficulties and grief, it can really build up to impact mental health and social connection.

The free ‘Tradies Tools to Talk’ resources provide guidance on how family, friends and fellow workers can spot the signs that a ‘tradie’ in their world may be struggling. Download the free resources including the ‘R U OK? ‘Tradies Tools to Talk’ ruok.org.au/tradies

R U OK? is not a crisis support or counselling service and their website is not a substitute for professional care. If you need professional support, please contact your doctor, local health centre or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Family and friends can also call upon these services for advice and assistance on how to support someone who is struggling with life.

For crisis support at any time of day or night, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or access a list of support services ruok.org.au/findhelp If you are concerned for your safety or the safety of others, seek immediate assistance by calling Triple Zero (000).