Published to Our Community on Sep 10, 2015
Today, Thursday 10 September is RU OK Day, a national day of action dedicated to reminding people to regularly check in with family and friends. RU OK? Inspires all people to ask their mates: 'Are you ok?' to support anyone who may be struggling with life.
An independent, not-for-profit organisation committed to reducing suicide by encouraging regular meaningful conversations, RU OK is a national suicide prevention movement, the first its kind in Australia.
Every week nearly 36 Australian men take their own lives; several of them will be construction workers. Construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work and apprentices are up to two times more likely to take their own lives than other young Australian men.
Industry led group MATES In Construction helps men on the ground and in their workplaces to seek help and get better. With the support of key unions (CFMEU, CEPU and AMWU) and employer associations (MBA, CCF and QMCA) MATES In Construction is a genuine bi-partisan approach to an important industry issue. Taking action, MATES In Construction have trained over 5,500 volunteers on construction sites across the country to recognise the signs of a co-worker who isn't well. Research shows the initiative is working with reduced suicide rates in the construction industry in areas it has been introduced.
This week it was revealed that AFL Player Lance 'Buddy' Franklin is suffering mental health issues, with Sydney Swans head coach, John Longmire sharing in a press conference on Tuesday that Buddy "wants people to know about it and understand what he is going through". Following Longmire's statement, Journalist Melissa Imbesi notes that "it doesn't matter how shiny life is or how together you appear to have it...mental health issues do not discriminate. Not even against a big, handsome hero on the football field." Former NRL player, Wendell Sailor said: "Being a footballer and a male, you think you can sort your problems out by yourself. Sometimes you're too proud or too macho, but there's times when you need to ask for help."
Richard Branson wants people to take time out today, announcing that Virgin Mobile will offer customers free voice calls within Australia to ask the simple but important question. "In a world where we're all connected by social media, some of us don't feel connected at all. So this RU OK? Day, take time out to ask a simple - but very important - question: 'Are you OK?'".
Inspired by what was created for RU OK Day, actor Hugh Jackman said it's easy to take people for granted. "Sometimes, having a friend come up to you and say 'Hey Mate, everything good? Are you OK?' Can open up an opportunity for people to talk about what's going on - it's a very simple thing but a very valuable thing".
You don't need to be an expert to have a meaningful conversation with someone you're worried about. Nor do you have to fix or solve their problems. You just need to ask how they're going; listen without judgement; encourage action; and follow up. Today is the perfect day to have a chat onsite - you may just change a life.
Need tips to start a conversation? Visit www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask
If you or a mate are doing it tough, please phone one of the numbers below, anytime.
Other places to find help can be found at: https://ruok.org.au/find-help
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