Thursday 8 September is R U OK? Day, an annual awareness campaign that seeks to remind Australians that every day is the day to ask ‘Are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation when they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling with life.
With pandemic fatigue, cost-of-living pressures, juggling work and homelife, and many other pressures – lots of us are struggling or have loved ones who are having a hard time. So it’s really important that we feel empowered to be able to initiate these conversations, to listen properly, encourage action if required and check in later.
This year, R U OK? Day’s message is that you don’t need to be an expert to start these conversations, and that listening and giving someone your time might be just what they need to feel connected and supported. This R U OK? conversation guide provides more information about how to initiate conversations with someone you’re worried about.
At Western Health, we’re marking R U OK? Day with information stalls at Footscray, Sunshine and Williamstown Hospitals this Thursday 8 September. Please join us if you can – and wear something yellow in support.
- Footscray Hospital stall, 1-3pm, ground floor
- Sunshine Hospital, 1-3pm, one stall outside pharmacy and one near the café connecting to Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s
- Williamstown Hospital, 2-3pm.
We’ll have information and resources, cookie giveaways, and visits from Lort Smith volunteers and their pet therapy dogs Charlie, Pippa, Olivia, Velvet and Cognac! Cookies will be delivered to our other sites and members of our Executive Team and Senior Leadership Group will distribute cookies to our night staff too.
A reminder that if you need to speak with someone about how you’re feeling or difficulties you’re facing, please consider accessing the confidential counselling service Employee Assistance Program on 1800 099 444, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. More information and links to other resources are available on Westerly.