Community event tackling mental health

R U OK? Day is set to shine a light on having life changing conversations and Mount Gambier is hosting a free event on Thursday, September 11, to provide vital information in the mental health and wellbeing space.

We know that whether it’s a friend, family member, partner, or colleague , the people around us go through life’s ups and downs every day and that’s why R U OK?, a national suicide prevention charity and registered public health promotion, encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times.

Their aim is for everyone to feel confident to check in with the people they care about and Ask R U OK? Any Day.

Their research found that those who are regularly asked, ‘are you OK?’ report increased feelings of wellbeing, and we’ve learned that a third of Australians say they’ve been asking others more often over the past year.

That means many of us are already showing up for others in meaningful ways, but when it comes to conversations about how we’re really going, some people are less confident than others.

It’s natural to feel a little hesitant, but the good news is nine in ten Australians report feeling grateful, supported and cared for when someone genuinely asks them if they’re OK – and that’s a good reason to give it a go. You might even be having these conversations already without realising.

The Mount Gambier event will run from 11am to 4pm in the Cave Garden precinct with a BBQ, music and other activities as well as a raft of resources on hand.

If you need tips to build your confidence, R U OK?Day is here to help with plenty of free resources to help you feel more confident to check in with someone you care about and the September 11 event is all about starting that process.