R U OK? Day in the Hunter

BY JAMES FORGACS


This Thursday the 12th September is national R U OK? Day, shining a light on the issue of mental illness.

Today everyone is encouraged to reach out to family, friends or loved ones who might be struggling and asking them “Are you okay?”

Starting this hard conversation can have a profound, positive, rippling effect on a person’s life who may be suffering silently.

Local state Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP says this is a conversation that needs to be had not just today, but year round:

“It’s important to make the people we care about know that they don’t have to do it alone, that we’re with them and will help if we can.”

“Asking the question ‘Are you okay’ is very important, but we shouldn’t just ask that question one day a year. We should reach out to the people in our lives who might be struggling and make sure they know we’re with them.”

Community Ambassador for R U OK? Day Jacob Ridgeway has told 2NURFM’s Mark Rorke just being asked set him on course to recovery and get involved:

“I had a really good family and friend circle around me and they could notice, so they were asking ‘are you ok?’ They were planting the seeds.”

Anyone dealing with serious mental health issues is urged to reach out to anyone, visit your local GP or hospital, and call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Newcastle Musician Selected as R U OK? Ambassador

BY KEELY JOHNSON

R U OK? campaign ambassador, Jacob Ridgeway, has set off across the country as part of the Conversation Convoy Tour.

Jacob, a University of Newcastle Bachelor of Music student, became involved the R U OK? campaign because of his own struggle with depression, PTSD, loss and grief.

In his new role, Jacob is touring the country as a performer and motivational speaker, after finding music was a key tool in his own journey to healing.

"Me and the other ambassadors are currently sharing our stories with rural communities, in hopes to spread suicide prevention awareness," he said.

The talented musician has visited Darwin, Broome and Tennant Creek, with visits to Mt Isa, Katherine, Kununurra, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing, Mataranka, Longreach, Rockhampton and Hervey Bay in store before the end of this month.

Jacob says the Convoy has been a great success so far. 

"We just had around 250 extremely engaged students, staff and community members of Tennant Creek come and learn about the campaign's cause.

"It's been an amazing experience to visit urban, rural and remote communities so far. We have such a beautiful country with beautiful people," Jacob said. 

The group will be visiting Newcastle and surrounding coastal areas early next month.

"On September 7th, we will be at Civic Park from 8:30 am till around 10:30am. There will be guest speakers, games, activities and performances to share their stories with suicide prevention." 

To keep up with the convoy visit the R U OK? website's 'latest news section'. 

Image source: Ben Houston Photography