Most people don't openly share their feelings, particularly if they're doing it tough. Yet the best thing we can all do is regularly talk to the people we care about and ask them 'R U OK?'
This Thursday, 13 September is R U OK?Day when Australians are encouraged to connect with their friends, loved ones, neighbours and colleagues by reaching out and enquiring how they are.
R U OK?Day is now in its fourth year. It covers a range of programs and activities, including a national day of action, focussing attention on the importance of individuals' mental wellbeing as the basis for a healthy community.
Medibank Community Fund (MCF) is the principal sponsor of R U OK?Day. The support aligns with MCF's objectives to promote community connectedness and preventative health programs, and directly links to a number of mental health and counselling services delivered by Medibank Health Solutions.
In addition to the morning teas, gatherings and one-on-one conversations that will take place on the day, a human sign spelling out R U OK? will be created on Sydney's Bondi Beach to help promote the event.
In Melbourne, people will gather at Federation Square and offer coffee and tokens to commuters as they arrive in the city for work.
Medibank personnel will be attending both events and staff will hold fundraising morning and afternoon teas at their locations all around Australia.
George Savvides, Medibank's Managing Director, is joining with other prominent Australians to encourage the community to check in with colleagues and people they care about to ask 'R U OK?'
"At times we all need to know that we have a bit of support from those around us. R U OK?Day is about staying connected with others. At Medibank we employ more than 4,000 people. We want to ensure we have a healthy, happy workforce so the R U OK? message is as relevant to us as it is to the wider community," said Mr Savvides.
"We encourage all Australians, wherever they are this Thursday, to take a minute to stop and ask somebody they know, R U OK?"
For resources and tips on how to ask 'R U OK?' or how to say 'I'm not OK' visit www.ruokday.com.
To get involved contact the Medibank Community Fund at medibank_cf@medibank.com.au. The Medibank Community Fund Community Grants program operates in each Australian State and across New Zealand. It supports grassroots community programs that perform important roles in their local regions to encourage better health and wellbeing. Application forms and information kits for the 2013 round of Community Grants are now available and will close on 7 December, 2012.