As part of a 29-day trip of regional New South Wales in a distinctive yellow car, R U OK's Conversation Convoy has been in Moree and Mungindi reminding locals to stay connected with one another.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With support from the Audi Foundation and Connor Men's Clothing, R U OK? strategic support manager Kim Borrowdale took to the wheel of a bright yellow car to lead a series of small community group meetings with the purpose of encouraging connections, checking in with rural people and sharing important resources.
"I've been meeting with local businesses and community groups, as well as health organisations and people who are constantly in contact with others outside of their own family to talk about The Mateship Manual and LivingWorks," Ms Borrowdale said.
"The aim of my visit is to really encourage people as they reconnect coming out of isolation and COVID is to ask how people are going. How are they feeling emotionally? Spend time listening. Everyone has a lot to do and wears multiple hats in small towns, but you can't underestimate how valuable it is to sit down and listen to what's happening in their lives."
READ ALSO:
The Mateship Manual has been specifically composed to assist and relate to those experiencing disasters or emergencies in regional areas.
"It is important to ask R U OK? every day of the year to help your mates through life's general ups and downs. But at the moment, because there has been so much happening out of people's control, we wanted to develop something that put that into context," Ms Borrowdale said.
The resource, which is available to download online, educates people on how to spot signs someone is struggling with life and how to navigate a meaningful conversation if someone says, "no, I'm not okay".
The manual details R U OK?'s model of ALEC - ask, listen, encourage action and check-in.
"There are some great tips to help you after you've asked the questions R U OK? As human beings, we want to solve people's problems but sometimes it's not about knowing all the answers, it's about walking along side them," Ms Borrowdale said.
The manual gives steps to take if you realise the conversation may require extra support.
"It isn't about thinking 'oh, no I need them to speak to a professional, I can't help them'. It's about saying 'what do you think might be helpful?' The manual allows you to educate yourself as a member of the community about what support is out there to have in your pocket in case you need it," she said.
A list of organisation contact phone numbers and online links are featured in the back of the manual that provide 24/7 support for free.
Ms Borrowdale acknowledged the importance of free resources for rural people as drought, fires and employment issues have put a financial strain on many.
Another tip mentioned in The Mateship Manual was to always check-in with people and have conversations about what's been happening in their lives.
"It doesn't have to be an intense conversation about feelings. People also find it helpful if you assist them with something physical like taking around some dinner or helping them mend a fence," she said.
"It's more likely that you'll come across someone thinking about suicide than someone having a heart attack," Ms Borrowdale said.
"Just like learning CPR, you may never have to use this training in your life, but you want to be prepared if that happens."
The 90-minute online training is interactive and only $20 to complete.
However, NSW Health has funded some free licences, specifically for local people who are in a "gateway position" such as a teacher or coach.
"I'd encourage people to get in touch with LivingWorks to ask about the free licences on offer. They also have a whole range of training and offer a two-day suicide first-aid training course," Ms Borrowdale said.
LivingWorks also have an adapted course specifically for Indigenous communities.
Ms Borrowdale encourages local organisations to get in touch by emailing kim@ruok.org.au if they're interested in free resources and reach out if they'd like R U OK? to come to any community events - "if there's events on, we'd love to be invited," she said.
For more information about The Mateship Manual head to www.ruok.org.au and for information regarding LivingWorks phone 1300 738 382 or head to www.livingworks.com.au.
R U OK? is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with friends, family and colleagues who might be struggling with life.
- If you feel you, or a loved one, needs support after reading this article, Lifeline offers 24/7 support at 13 11 14 or via their website www.lifeline.org.au. The suicide call back service phone number is 1300 659 467 and also offers 24/7 support.