R U OK? is calling on those living in rural and remote communities to ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day.
The reminder comes as the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports the three in ten Australians who live outside major cities often experience poorer health and welfare outcomes.
“There are many positive aspects about living and working outside Australia’s bigger towns and cities, including a greater sense of community”, said Katherine Newton, CEO R U OK?. “Fewer services, isolation and extreme weather events are just a few of the things that can be harder to deal with.”
R U OK? research has found an overwhelming majority (90%) of people who are regularly asked R U OK? feel more supported, connected, and cared about.
“We see an increase in supporting behaviours around R U OK?Day, our National Day of Action,” added Ms Newton. “However, we know life happens every day. Our message to Australia is don’t wait; Ask R U OK? Any Day because a meaningful conversation could change a life.”
R U OK? Community Ambassador Garry Semmens, 70, from Shepparton, agrees there’s a need for R U OK? conversations throughout the year.
“Living in a rural city, a lot of times people can feel very isolated,” shared Mr Semmes. “Being an older man, I feel like I can’t ask for help. I feel like I’ve just got to man up and get on with it.”
R U OK? has dedicated resources to help build confidence within regional and remote communities to have meaningful R U OK? conversations throughout the year. The R U OK? Mateship Manual is a short, simple guide with tips, resources, and more to help you start a conversation with someone who’s doing it tough.
“Struggling with your mental health can happen any day of the year,” said Mr Semmes. “Asking R U OK? is more than just saying G’Day. It’s about regular connection and mateship. How many of us actually check in a week or two later after we’ve had a chat to see how that person is going? When someone has done that for me, I always know that person really cares.”
The R U OK? Mateship Manual is free and available at ruok.org.au. R U OK? can also offer physical copies within Australia free of charge.
“A lot can happen in a year, a month, or even a week,” said Ms Newton. “Whether it’s your friend, family member, colleague, partner, or teammate, the people you care about go through life’s ups and downs every day,
“By checking in regularly with the people close to you, you can help prevent small things from becoming big things,” continued Ms Newton.
R U OK?Day, our National Day of Action is Thursday, 12 September 2024 when we remind everyone to Ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day.
Visit ruok.org.au for free tips and tools to build a R U OK? Culture across your year.
Lifeline provides free and confidential crisis support at any time of day or night. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online at lifeline.org.au.
MensLine Australia offers 24/7 free and confidential telephone and online support for men with emotional health and relationship concerns. Call 1300 78 99 78 or chat online at mensline.org.au.
13YARN is a free 24/7 service offering crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. Call 13YARN (13 92 76).