A natter, chinwag, a chat , a heart to heart, a chitter-chatter. Whatever you call it, today we want you to have a conversation.
R U OK? Day (Thursday 9 September, 2021) is our national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” and support those struggling with life's ups and downs.
It is a day to inspire and empower everyone to remember to meaningfully connect with people around them and start a conversation with those around us who may be struggling.
More than ever before, we need to support each other and check in.
The last 12 months has been difficult, no matter where you live. We have faced the unknown, through a pandemic the likes of which we have not experienced before. It has forced us to be resilient, to band together, to rise to daily challenges. It’s also caused us to feel cranky, crabby, sulky and despondent. Sometimes for a long time, sometimes in a way that we just can’t shake. That’s ok. It’s natural. But if you’re feeling this way – it’s important to let someone know. If you suspect someone you know is struggling, it's important to ask "R U OK"?
As rolling lockdowns have forced us to stay home, we have had to rely on our loved ones and friends, our community to be able to help us with daily essentials. Five Good Friends Members have been fortunate to enjoy to support of their Helpers throughout.
Our family and friends have gone through many difficult situations from having health issues, being isolated due to lockdowns, learning to use technology to connect, facing job losses and not being able to travel to where our families are overseas.
At Five Good Friends, we understand these are difficult and unsettling times. We take our role in the community incredibly seriously, we’re working with a vulnerable group of people, and it is our mission to help as much as we can in these times of stress and concern.
R U Ok Day is just one day but we hope that you rely on us and your Helpers to provide the support and care you need to help you through these difficult times.
How can you help?
The most simple and easy thing to do is start a conversation. You don’t need to be an expert to reach out – just a good friend and a good listener. It can be face to face if your able to, but it can be over the phone or using technology such as Zoom or Facetime. Or even just dropping a quick text message or email.
Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life.
- Ask R U Ok?
- Listen
- Encourage action
- Check in.
For more information and resources go to https://www.ruok.org.au/
