A COUNCIL’S GUIDE TO SUPPORTING R U OK? EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

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Why use this guide?Suicide prevention charity R U OK? is challenging councils across Australia to remind their residents and staff to regularly check in with neighbours, work mates, friends and loved ones by asking, “Are you OK?” every day of the year.

The guide contains resources and ideas to create a more connected community that supports those struggling with life.

Join the Conversation MovementR U OK?Day is our national day of action, held on the second Thursday in September.

But we know meaningful conversations need to happen not just one day a year, but any day we notice that someone in our community might be doing it tough.

R U OK? is encouraging Australia’s 560-plus councils to help show that every day is the day to ask the question and have a conversation that could change a life.

How do conversations make a difference?When relationships with our neighbours, friends, community and loved ones are strong, we’re well placed to notice the signs that someone might be struggling. By trusting that gut instinct and asking them, “Are you OK?” we can help them open up and find pathways to support long before they reach a crisis point.

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1. Ask R U OK?

2. Listen 3. Encourageaction

4. Check in

Simple steps to a life-changing conversation

Champion the messageHelp show R U OK? is a cause that everyone can get behind by sharing the following key messages with your residents and staff via council websites, social media, newsletters and advertising networks:

Ask R U OK? A conversation could change a life.

We can all make a difference to those who are struggling by having regular, meaningful conversations about life up’s and down’s.

If you feel like something’s not quite right with someone you know, trust that gut instinct, and take the time ask, “Are you OK?”

You don’t have to be an expert to have a caring, meaningful conversation.

Follow R U OK?’s 4 Steps:

1. Ask R U OK?

2. Listen

3. Encourage action

4. Check in

Every day is R U OK? - every day is the day to start a conversation that could change a life.

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Other resources you can shareUse our bespoke council artwork across your print, digital and advertising channels:

Digital (website, newsletters, social media)

Street flags

Billboards leading in to your town

Fleet vehicles e.g. street sweepers

R U OK? ‘We make time to ask’ logo

Simply e-mail hello@ruok.org.au with your specifications and council logo, and we will send the artwork to you.

You can also visit our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/ruokday) for these videos and more:

Our Story - How R U OK? began

R U OK?’s impact explained

We make time to ask

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How other councils have championed R U OK?

In 2017, Camden Council branded four of their waste fleet vehicles with clever R U OK? messages. The quirky messages struck a chord with the community and were seen by over 70,000 residents.

Bundaberg City Council created ‘R U OK? Conversation Corners’ by installing benches in key locations to encourage residents to take the time to sit down for a chat with anyone who might need a listening ear.

Tamworth Regional Council support R U OK? by hosting a free awareness concert in Toyota Park as part of their annual Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Camden Council Bundaberg City Council Tamworth Regional Council

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We can help R U OK? can provide the following:

Assistance with creating a Conversation Corner in public spaces/parks

Helpful links to local and national mental health and crisis support services: www.ruok.org.au/findhelp

Event support for local activities: www.ruok.org.au/events

Logo provision and artwork approval: e-mail hello@ruok.org.au

MerchandiseConsider adding a splash of yellow to R U OK? events by ordering some of our best-sellers:

Outdoor vinyl stickers for residents and staff e.g. mail boxes, waste bins, cars

Outdoor large vinyl banners for display e.g. buildings, fences

Tea bags and disposable coffee cups

Conversation cards with holder e.g. reception desks

…and much more!

For more information on ways to champion R U OK? in your council, visit ruok.org.au