Premium Content:

R U OK? Day Puts the Focus on Mental Health

yay-5265112

This week’s focus on mental health and wellbeing continues with R U OK? Day.

- Advertisement -

R U OK? is a not for profit organisation that aims to encourage Australians to ask those who may be struggling, ‘are you okay?’.

R U OK? Day is on the second Thursday of every September, and serves as a reminder to foster meaningful face to face conversations with one another so that we can build stronger relationships and support networks for when times are tough.

Yesterday, WA’s Minister for Mental Health, Disability Services and Child Protection Helen Morton announced that the state would be funding two suicide prevention initiatives.

Greens Member for the South Metropolitan Region Lynn MacLaren commented on the state’s requirement to focus energy on groups who may be more at risk of mental distress:

“It is great to see action being taken on the issue, but more needs to be done for high-risk groups, particularly LGBTI youth.

“This time last year I introduced a motion that called for MPs to publicise suicide prevention programmes among their constituents, acknowledge the risk factors people face in their regions and actively support non-government and government programmes to prevent suicide.”

To get involved in R U OK? Day, visit the R U OK? website to learn more about fostering meaningful conversations.

If you or anyone you know is struggling, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 44, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Sophie Joske

Image: YAY! Media

Latest

Pride Swan Festival announce their 2025 dates

The 2024 event was amazing, and this year it'll be even bigger.

Mark Latham denies abuse claims made by former partner

Explosive allegations about the politician have been made by his former partner Nathalie Matthews.

It’s an entire film festival of cat videos!

Who doesn't love a cat video?

Lifeblood rules for plasma donation come into effect today

Find out if you're eligible to be a donor.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Pride Swan Festival announce their 2025 dates

The 2024 event was amazing, and this year it'll be even bigger.

Mark Latham denies abuse claims made by former partner

Explosive allegations about the politician have been made by his former partner Nathalie Matthews.

It’s an entire film festival of cat videos!

Who doesn't love a cat video?

Lifeblood rules for plasma donation come into effect today

Find out if you're eligible to be a donor.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

This week we take a listen to new tracks from Peggy Gou, Conan Gray, Sugababes, Skunk Anansie and ATEEZ.

Pride Swan Festival announce their 2025 dates

The 2024 event was amazing, and this year it'll be even bigger.

Mark Latham denies abuse claims made by former partner

Explosive allegations about the politician have been made by his former partner Nathalie Matthews.

It’s an entire film festival of cat videos!

Who doesn't love a cat video?