Ask your friends: R U OK this September
More than 2,100 Australians suicide each year - however, the number of people affected by one death alone is countless. Suicide has long been a taboo topic, making it all the more difficult to help those who are most at risk. That’s why this year’s September 15 will mark the major national initiative: “R U OK?”, a suicide prevention program aiming to educate Australians about the simple ways we can help those affected by depression. It’s as easy as asking your friends, family or even a stranger three simple words: “Are you OK?” The aim is to stop little problems becoming bigger ones, by generating over 2 million conversations.
As women, we are natural communicators and therefore have a knack for tapping into our loved ones’ emotions. This initiative seeks to create a culture of “checking in” with friends and family, all year round. The theme this year will be “in the time it takes to have your coffee you can start a conversation that could change a life.” Coffee… Conversation… We like the sound of that!
With Hugh Jackman and Darryn Lockyer among the R U OK? Ambassador team, we’re guessing you’d want to get involved with the many flagship events happening around town. Medicare offices and Gloria Jean’s coffee houses nationally will play host to the R U OK? Ambassadors who will be in attendance to promote connectivity and conversation.
“A simple conversation can change a life and we encourage all Australians to take part on September 15,” director and co-founder Janina Nearn says.
So how can you get involved and participate? Easy. You can simply invite somebody you care about for a coffee – or better yet register your workplace with R U OK? Day and run some fun in-house events. There is also R U OK? Day School and sporting programs you may want to get involved with too. The most important part of this initiative is to get conversations rolling so the lovely peeps at R U OK? want to hear your stories of inspiration, to share with others around the globe via social media. So if you have a positive experience that involves reaching out to someone or have been positively influenced by another person asking if you were okay please send your stories to Rebecca@ruokday.com.au.
After all, who doesn’t love a good chat with someone you care about? Let’s celebrate the loved ones we are so lucky to have by getting involved with this fabulous initiative.
Visit ruokday.com.au for more information on how you can help the cause.
By Julia Naughton
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