Ambulance Victoria (AV) is encouraging everyone to ask, ‘are you okay?’ any day, this R U OK? Day, on Thursday 12 September.
AV pastoral care lead Gary Grant reinforced this message and reminded people that you don’t have to be trained or qualified to have these conversations – just be prepared to listen.
“I’ve noticed Australians tend to ask, ‘how’re you going, mate?’ and typically don’t seem to care about the answer,” he said.
“So, when we’re faced with someone who is genuinely asking or unexpectedly get an honest answer, it can be somewhat confronting.
“R U OK? Day serves as a good reminder to us all that we should be having these honest conversations with each other and looking for ways to create environments that are safe to speak up.”
Gary said we all go through life’s ups and downs, and it pays to show care for others.
“Treat people the way you want to be treated – it’s not a new idea but can make a huge difference in your personal life, the workplace or your community group,” he said.
“Everyone wants to be cared for and needs a space to share their thoughts, feelings, struggles and challenges.”
His advice to the community is to check in on each other, mean it when you ask, and be prepared to listen.
“These are brave conversations and at times can feel a little uncomfortable,” he said.
“Most importantly, if you ask someone if they’re ok and they respond honestly, just listen intently and pay attention.
“The reality is a five-minute conversation could change someone’s life.”
Chaplains make up AV’s pastoral care service, which is just one of a range of wellbeing services it provides for its workforce and their loved ones.
AV’s wellbeing services also include psychology, peer support, 24/7 confidential counselling, Victorian Ambulance Clinicians’ Unit (VACU) and peer support dog program.
In addition, AV sets out to improve on these supports with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Plan 2022-2025.
The Plan aims to ensure AV’s workforce and their families have the knowledge, tools, support and services they need to manage their mental health and wellbeing, and to contribute to a culture at AV where people feel comfortable to ask each other if they’re feeling okay.
To learn more about R U OK? Day, visit ruok.org.au
If you are not okay, or if you notice a change in someone you know, you can find a full list of support services here: ruok.org.au/findhelp
For professional support, contact your doctor, or local health service.
Trusted family and friends can also be called upon for advice or assistance.
For immediate crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
To connect with a mental health professional, call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
