August 30th, 2022R U OK?

A number of activities are being planned for R U OK? Day on September 8 to help people to be able to start a conversation that could change a life.
R U OK? Day is a nationwide campaign that was started in 2009 by Gavin Larkin following the death of his father to suicide. With the aim of preventing other families from experiencing the pain that he suffered, he chose to encourage people to ask the question “Are you okay?”. Human connection is a powerful protective factor in preventing suicide and poor mental health and starting a conversation can potentially make a significant difference to someone who is not coping well with life.
Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, in partnership with Macedon Ranges Shire Council, invites community members, local businesses and community groups to get involved.
A free webinar, Feel Confident to Ask, “Are you OK?”, is being held on Thursday, September 1 at 6pm. Presented by Matt Gleeson, pictured, an accredited mental health first aid trainer and community partnership and engagement officer, the 30-minute webinar will provide a framework to be able to confidently ask how someone is doing and know what to do next if they are not. To register go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/RUOKSMRS.
Leading up to R U OK? Day people are encouraged to sign up for a stencil kit which includes information and handouts on how individuals, businesses or community groups can share the message and get people talking about how to prevent suicide and poor mental health. To get a stencil pack go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/RUOKstencil.
Selected cafes across the Macedon Ranges will be offering free coffees on R U OK? Day and will have handouts explaining how to have these important conversations as well as information on local support services.
“Last year we worked with 20 cafes across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges to provide 400 free coffees,” Matt said. “This meant that people had the opportunity to be exposed to the R U OK? message and discuss mental health. This year we hope that the free webinar and the stencil campaign will take this important message even further across our communities and help to save lives.”
Contact Matt Gleeson at healthpromotionsunbury@scchc.org.au or 9744 4455.