Mercy Place resident liasion officer Christy Talbot and resident Margaret Stevens get ready for the RU OK? Day afternoon tea.
STAFF and residents at Warrnambool’s Mercy Place aged care facility got into the spirit of R U OK? Day yesterday with fun activities designed to encourage residents to support each other through life’s ups and downs.
The national campaign, held annually on the second Thursday of September, urges people to check on the mental well-being of those around them with a simple question.
At Mercy Place, activities included morning and afternoon teas, lunch and an evening supper dance with the band Just Us.
Staff also wore yellow, the day’s theme colour.
Mercy Place service manager Sheryl Nicolson said last year staff had been involved in R U OK? activities, but this time residents also got involved.
Similar activities were held at Mercy Health’s sites across Australia in support of the campaign.
Besides the fun, staff also provided tips on how people could tactfully ask someone “Are you OK?” — and how to say if they weren’t when asked themselves.
It also gave information about access to support services such as Lifeline, the Black Dog Institute, headspace (for parents and carers) and beyondblue.
R U OK? is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that seeks to increase public awareness and understanding about the link between feelings of connection, community, well-being and suicide prevention.
It aims to reduce Australia’s high suicide rate by having open and honest conversations.