A number of activities are being planned for R U OK? Day across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges.
The nation-wide R U OK? Day campaign was started by Gavin Larkin in 2009 following the death of his father to suicide. The day encourages people to ask the question, ‘Are you okay?’, to help those who are struggling find connection, and to start conversations that could make a difference to them.
Sunbury and Community Health (SCCH), alongside Macedon Ranges council, Sunbury Business Association and Sunbury Connected Communities, invite community members, groups and local businesses to take part.
A free webinar presented by SCCH mental health first aid trainer and community partnership and engagement officer Matt Gleeson, called Feel Confident to ask, ‘Are you OK?’, will take place on Thursday, September 1 at 6pm. The 30-minute program will provide a framework to be able to confidently ask how a person is doing, and what to do if they are struggling.
Leading up to R U OK? Day on Thursday, September 8, people are encouraged to sign up for a stencil kit, which includes a information about how all people, businesses and groups can share the message and get more people talking about how to prevent poor mental health and suicide.
In addition, a range of cafes across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges will offer free coffees on R U OK? Day, also handing out explainers about how to have important conversations, as well as information on local services.
“Last year we worked with 20 cafes across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges to provide 400 free coffees,” Mr Gleeson 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.”
To register for the webinar, go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/RUOKSMRS.
To get a stencil pack go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/RUOKstencil.
If you have any queries, contact healthpromotionsunbury@scchc.org.au or call 9744 4455.
If you need mental health support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
