IT’S a simple question that could help someone in need, but it doesn’t get asked enough: “Are you okay?”
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Every year R U OK? Day tries to get the community to ask the question, and this year’s day is coming soon: Thursday, September 8.
R U OK?'s vision is a world where we're all connected and are protected from suicide.
Centacare North West Queensland standby response service coordinator Mandy Kliszewski is encouraging people in Mount Isa to get involved.
“This year it is very close to World Suicide Prevention Week which happens around the same time which has a theme of connection. communicate and care, and that’s pretty much what R U OK? Day is all about,” Ms Kliszewski said.
“It’s about being able to ask people whether they’re okay and then just have a conversation around it.”
Ms Kliszewski said it wasn’t just about encouraging people to talk to family, friends and colleagues.
“It’s also about encouraging people to ask for help.”
Ms Kliszewski said Centacare’s programs about suicide bereavement encourages their staff to be involved in R U O K? Day and she is sending coffee cups promoting the day out to local businesses.
“A number of coffee shops around Mount Isa have expressed interest in the day and on the day the coffee will be sold in the cup and they’ll be handing out a card with support numbers,” he said.
“We’re also encouraging people to wear yellow on the day.”
Anna Cubis of Mount Isa’s Caffeine Nook on Miles St said they were happy to get behind the program.
“That’s what we’re all about, sitting down with our customers and having a chat about their lives,” she said.
“People love that.”
If you need support you can contact:
Lifeline 24/7 for crisis support: 13 11 14
People at risk of suicide, carers and bereaved: Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Young people 5-25: Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Counselling service for grief sufferers: Griefline 1300 845 745
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
