McManus to lead R U OK? charge

A PASSIONATE local mental health advocate is encouraging the Greater Geelong community to speak up and have heartfelt conversations every day of the year, including on R U OK Day.

Geelong Community Foundation development manager and R U OK? ambassador Tony McManus is once again helping to lead the charge on a local scale for R U OK? Day on Thursday, September 14.

Mr McManus, who tragically lost his younger brother to suicide in 2005 has been an ambassador for R U OK? for six years.

He has also previously held an ambassador role with Beyond Blue, where he successfully helped to lobby for an annual AFL Beyond Blue Cup between the Geelong Cats and Hawthorn Hawks.

The Geelong businessmen regularly conducts corporate speaking sessions and is a support worker on local construction sites.

“I’ve been in the mental health space for a while and are no doubt still very motivated to achieve the fundamental objectives of raising awareness and decreasing stigma.

“Everyday and not just next Thursday, we want to promote asking the R U OK? question, listening with judgement, encouraging action, and following up.

“This year’s theme focuses on the concept of ‘I’m here to hear’, which is the second step of the process.

“If someone is sharing how they are feeling, it’s important to actively listen, focus and not interrupt.

“Sometimes just a simple conversation of getting things off your chest is a great thing, and ultimately its what we want to put forward.”

Mr McManus said early intervention is one of the most important facets of helping someone who may not be ok.

“Rather than traditionally waiting for a problem and then having to ring someone up, it’s about just being there early.

“You want to be able to nip it in the butt before it turns into a bigger thing, and its my key role on the construction sites.

“You can always find a quiet, forthright location on site to have an honest chat.

“Loneliness and disconnection are common themes somewhere like the construction site, so I encourage strategies which involve social connection.

“That way, when you’re not working, you can take part in something you have a passion in, or with people you share a passion with.”

Mr McManus will be the master of ceremonies for a Hope Bereavement Care support after suicide event on Tuesday evening and will follow it up with a presentation to local tradesmen and project managers at the Ryman Healthcare Construction Site on R U OK? Day.

“I encourage any locals to get down to the event, and any other local R U OK? fundraisers on the Surf Coast, Bellarine or in Geelong on September 14 and beyond.

“Just asking the question, can be all the difference.”

If you need immediate help, phone Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, headspace on 1800 650 890 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.