ASKING the words 'are you okay' could end up saving a person's life.
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National suicide prevention charity, R U OK?, is urging all Shoalhaven residents to 'trust the signs' 'trust your gut' and above all to ask someone if they are okay.
RU OK? is bringing its national 'Trust the Signs' tour to Nowra on Saturday, September 7 from 12pm to 1.30pm at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.
The tour comes as research commissioned by R U OK? shows 63 per cent of the population are not confident they know the signs that someone might be struggling with life.
The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre event will give people the chance to learn more about starting a conversation with someone they are worried about.
R U OK? Chief Executive Officer, Katherine Newton, hopes Nowra's Trust the Signs event gets support.
"We know the majority of Australians believe talking to someone who's struggling can make a difference. However, what we're hearing is that people aren't sure when is the right time to have an R U OK? conversation," Ms Newton said.
"Signs can be subtle changes in verbal or non-verbal behaviour. You might spot a loved one is having unusual mood swings, changes in sleep or a mate might be withdrawing from social situations like not turning up to sports training.
"We're encouraging people to look out for those cues.
"We should also make a conscious effort to reach out to someone going through a significant life change such as job loss, relationship breakdown, study pressure or perhaps becoming a parent.
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Each 'Trust the Signs Tour' involves mental health, volunteer and suicide prevention organisations connecting with local communities to highlight the support services available to them when an R U OK? conversation is too big for friends and family alone.
Meanwhile, Thursday September 12 is "R U OK? Day", a national day of action and a reminder that every day is the right day to meaningfully connect with those around us and ask a question that could change a life, "Are you OK?"
"This R U OK? Day, we want to empower people to trust their gut instinct and ask the question as soon as they spot the signs that someone might be struggling with life," Ms Newton said.
The South Coast Australian Football community, earlier in the year, staged its inaugural R U OK? round which was a great success.
Local club, the Bomaderry Tigers, proudly took part in the event.
Research commissioned by R U OK? has found
- Nearly two-thirds of Australians (63 per cent) are not confident they know the signs that someone might be struggling with life.
- 41 per cent hadn't asked someone if they were OK because they weren't sure they knew the signs.
- 49 per cent believe they'd be more confident starting a conversation if they knew the signs.
Numbers to call to get help
To speak with someone immediately, contact:
Lifeline on 13 11 14,
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636,
MensLine 1300 789978,
Kids Helpline 1800 551800,
Black Dog Institute 9382 4530,
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Veterans and Veterans' Families Counselling Service 1800 011 046
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