On Thursday 12 September, Rocky Bay was transformed by a sea of yellow for R U OK? Day.
Our hubs and homes wore and decorated their spaces in yellow, reminding us to ‘Ask R U OK?
Morning tea and lunch were brought in by staff, providing an opportunity to check in with those around us.
This year’s theme ‘Ask R U OK. Any Day’ is a reminder to check in with those around you any day of the year. Meaningful conversations can change a life!
By having regular, meaningful conversations, you build trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on, so when the people in your world find themselves struggling, they know you’re someone they can talk to.
How to ask “R U OK?”
1. Ask. Be relaxed and friendly in your approach. Help someone open up by asking questions like “What’s been happening?” or “How are you traveling?”
2. Listen. Don’t rush the conversation, sit patiently with the silence if needed. Don’t judge someone’s experiences or reactions, just acknowledge that things seem tough for them. You could ask “How are you feeling about that?”
3. Encourage action. Ask things like “What have you done in the past to manage similar situations?” or “How would you like me to support you?”. If they’ve been feeling down for more than a couple weeks, encourage them to see a health professional, and be positive about the role of professionals in getting through tough times.
4. Check in. Stay in touch and be there for them. Ask if they’ve found a way to manage their situation. Genuine concern can make a real difference!
To view more resources, click here.