Theme launched for day of action

ONE of Australia’s leading mental health awareness organisations has unveiled ‘No Qualifications Needed’ as the theme for this year’s event.

R U OK? said four out of ten Australians felt asking someone ‘are you okay?’ is a conversation better had with an expert, but the mental health organisation is encouraging people to continue to ask the question.

Local Geelong and Surf Coast R U OK? ambassador Tony McManus said this year’s theme sends a good message to those who are worried about a loved one or someone close to them.

“It really tackles the stat that almost half of Aussies don’t feel they are qualified enough to start a conversation, it was a real eye-opener for me,” McManus said.

“You’re not there to fix them, generally, you’re there to point them in the right direction, whether that might be a GP or a service like what Beyond Blue offers or Lifeline.

“R U OK? made a really subtle point that everyone tends to think they’re an expert at everything, so I thought it was a really smart move to play on that notion.”

In a virtual launch, R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton explained the purpose for this year’s theme.

“We’re here to reassure you that you don’t have to be an expert to have an ‘are you okay?’ conversation. Listening and giving someone your time might be just what they need to help them through,” Ms Newton said.

“This year is a really simple message and I think it is one that we can all relate to in our own lives.

“If you feel confident enough to second-guess their decision from the comfort of your arm chair you can ask a mate ‘are you okay?’ or if you feel qualified enough to give fashion advice while lounging in your old trackies you can ask your sibling ‘are you okay?’.

“The work of health professionals is vital, and their value cannot be underestimated, however, when it comes to an ‘are you okay?’ conversation we can all play a role in supporting the people in our world.”

To take part in September’s R U OK? Day head to www.ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day