R U OK?

The R U OK? ‘Mateship Manual for the hospitality industry’ provides guidance and tips to help you support someone at work, in the industry or in your personal life now and into the future. The manual was informed by the R U OK? Hospitality Expert Reference Group.

In collaboration with LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, R U OK? released an updated conversation guide with information on when and how to start an R U OK? conversation with someone who is bodily, sexuality or gender diverse.

There’s a lot of good things about living and working outside Australia’s bigger towns and cities, but it also has its unique challenges.

Fewer services, natural disasters, isolation and loneliness are just a few of the things that can be harder to deal with in rural communities. There can also be a ‘toughen up’ culture where it’s not always easy to talk about the things that keep us awake at night, or give us the confidence to ask a mate if everything is ok.

If someone you know – a family member, mate, neighbour or workmate - is doing it tough, chances are they won’t always tell you.

Sometimes it’s up to us to trust our gut instinct and ask someone who may be struggling with life “are you ok?”. By asking and listening, we can help our mates and loved ones feel more supported and connected long before they even think about suicide. It’s something we can all do by following a few simple steps.

R U OK? has produced a guide to what to say to someone who needs some help or support online. The resource also includes information if you or someone you know needs professional support