Ask R U OK? Any Day
R U OK? Day, coming up on Thursday 12 September, is an important annual initiative focusing on mental health and encouraging people to connect with others.
R U OK? Day is a day to stop and reflect on why mental health matters and check in on one another.
It reminds us to ask: ‘are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation when we see signs someone may be struggling.
However, the goal is that R U OK? Day’s important message is thought about every day of the year as part of a commitment to wellbeing and promoting open dialogue about mental health.
The theme for this year is: Ask R U OK? Any Day.
Recent research commissioned by R U OK? found that people who are regularly asked if they are OK feel more supported, connected and cared about.
“With the stresses of every day life, it can be easy to overlook the personal struggles people around us may be facing,” CFA Manager Organisational Wellbeing Suzanne Leckie said.
“R U OK? Day serves as a vital reminder to reach out to our colleagues and fellow CFA members who we think may be struggling and ask the question: 'Are you OK?’.
“Sometimes just knowing that someone cares can make all the difference. By checking in with each other, we build stronger relationships and a more resilient organisation.”
Suzanne said that you don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener.
“Asking each other ‘Are you OK?’ is something we want people to feel comfortable to do every day,” Suzanne said.
“CFA has a range of resources available to support members to have a conversation with someone about their wellbeing including our online Mental Health Literacy training and new workshop series.
“By reaching out to people, you not only build trust, you help normalise talking about mental health and wellbeing, and this help others feel comfortable to speak up and even seek help if they need it.”
Start a conversation with these four steps:
1. Ask R U OK?
Simply asking someone 'Are you OK?’, ‘what’s been happening’ or ‘how are you travelling’ can make a big difference. It shows that you care and can open the door to a meaningful conversation.
2. Listen
If someone shares their struggles with you, listen without judgement. Sometimes just having someone to talk to can help.
Let them know you’re there for them and offer practical support or encourage them to access professional support including through CFA’s Wellbeing program.
Follow up with the person after your initial conversation. Consistent support shows that you genuinely care about their wellbeing.
Other ways to support R U OK? Day
There are many ways to get involved on R U OK? Day and learn more about mental health and wellbeing so you are prepared and feel confident to have a conversation.
CFA has a team of volunteer and corporate peers trained to offer mental health and wellbeing support to their fellow CFA members. Meet our peers and learn more about the Peer Support Program here
Bring people together at your CFA work location
You could host a morning or afternoon tea or organise a team building activity. Wear yellow, invite a guest speaker (such as CFA peer) and award prizes for the best conversation starter. R U OK? Day has a range of resources available to help you raise awareness and start a conversation.
Complete CFA’s online mental health training
The modules include information about how to have conversations with others about their mental health as well as the wellbeing support services available to CFA members and their families.
Express interest in hosting one of our new Wellbeing Workshops
There are six workshops, designed to support members to build resilience, learn how to have wellbeing conversations, build awareness of trauma and recognise changes in their own and other’s mental health and wellbeing.
Delivered by CFA’s Organisational Wellbeing team, the one-to-two-hour, face-to-face workshops include videos, practical information and personal stories from CFA members. Learn more and book here
Sign up for our free, web-based wellbeing app - CFA Thrive
The mental health continuum is a great way for us to manage and normalise fluctuations in our wellbeing as well as get comfortable with communicating how we are feeling.
CFA thrive allows you to assess where you are on the mental health continuum and provides support options to help you work your way back to the healthy/green range and stay there.
A range of resources and support is available to all CFA members and their families. CFA’s Member Assistance Program is always available, offering confidential support whenever you need it.
Contact the Wellbeing Support Line
If you are not OK, or if you notice a change in someone you know, you can contact the CFA Wellbeing Support Line on 1800 959 232 to access free, confidential support that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wellbeing services are available to all CFA volunteers, employees and their immediate family members.
There are also a number of other external professional help services:
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467
MensLine Australia - 1300 78 99 78