RUOK? DAY - TODAY
Today is R U OK? Day, an annual event which acts as a reminder that every day is a day to start a conversation that could change a life. This year the focus is on “Are they really OK? Ask them today.” For many of us we have adapted to what is the ‘new norm’ – working from home, homeschooling, balancing social distancing, and like “Karen from Brighton”, walked all over our local 5km area, but I am sure there are many more of us who are putting on a brave face while deep down are struggling through these and many other of life’s uncertainties.
As a community, we can all create a culture where people feel confident asking and answering this simple yet important question. For many of us, asking R U OK? is now a common reference to check-in and share concerns with our workmates, friends, and family. But we need to move beyond just that question, we need to really understand R U Really, OK? And, more importantly, we need to be prepared for when someone says they aren’t.
R U OK? has developed four conversation steps to give you the skills and confidence to navigate a conversation with someone you’re worried about. You don’t need to be an expert to ask R U OK? you just need to be genuine in your concern, offer an ear to listen, support and remember to check-in. Let’s all start the conversation today – and every day moving forward.
You can access more information and tools from the R U OK? website – visit https://www.ruok.org.au/SCHOOL