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Mr McManus said early intervention is one of the most important facets of helping someone who may not be ok.<\/p>\n
“Rather than traditionally waiting for a problem and then having to ring someone up, it’s about just being there early.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“You can always find a quiet, forthright location on site to have an honest chat.<\/p>\n
“Loneliness and disconnection are common themes somewhere like the construction site, so I encourage strategies which involve social connection.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“Just asking the question, can be all the difference.”<\/p>\n
If you need immediate help, phone Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, headspace on 1800 650 890 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n