The Gold Coast learns how to trust the signs someone's struggling

hello • 17 July 2019


R U OK?'s ‘Trust the Signs Tour’ visited the Gold Coast bringing staff, students, R U OK? Community Ambassadors and local mental health support services together at Southern Cross University.

The ‘Trust the Signs Tour’ comes in the wake of research released by R U OK? that found nearly two-thirds of Australians (63%) are not confident they know the signs that someone might be struggling with life. Of those surveyed, 41% hadn’t asked someone if they were OK because they weren’t sure they knew the signs. However, there is hope, with almost 1 in 2 (49%) believing they’d be more confident starting a conversation if they knew the signs.

Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Students Dr Erica Wilson spoke about the significance the visit from R U OK? had to the University. "This is an important social movement and social enterprise, it's really a conversation starter,” said Wilson.

"The role of the Deputy Vice Chancellor Students is about looking after the safety, wellness and the mental health of students, and at Southern Cross University we care deeply about our students. "We all have experience of mental health in ourselves, our family, friends and colleagues. We need to recognise the signs, sometimes it's hard to tell, but if they are acting a little differently, we need to make time to check in."


R U OK? Community Ambassador Shawn Sheather, a former chef who's seen the power of a conversation in his industry, spoke about why the R U OK? message is so important for the Gold Coast.

"The Gold Coast needs it. We have a lot of people who believe it's all lights and glamour but there are real people here who are struggling in the real world. Reaching out and asking, "Are you OK?" makes people feel valued. There's no negative in that," he said.

Justin Geange, an R U OK? Community Ambassador reflected on what we can do to support anyone in our world who may be going through a tough time.

"Best thing you can do is be a mate. You don't need to be a psychologist or an expert, just someone who cares. So when you see the signs take ten seconds of courage to ask the question."


R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton says the Trust the Signs Tour aims to build confidence in recognising when someone might be struggling so that Australians ‘Trust the Signs, Trust their Gut and Ask R U OK?’.

“We know the majority of Australians believe talking to someone who’s struggling can make a difference. But what we’re hearing, is that people aren’t sure when the right time is to have an R U OK? conversation,” said Newton.

“Signs can be subtle changes in verbal or non-verbal behaviour. A loved one might tell you they’re having difficulty switching off or a mate might be withdrawing from social situations like not turning up to training. We’re encouraging people to look out for those cues. We can also make a conscious effort when we know someone is going through a significant life change such as job loss, relationship breakdown, study pressure or perhaps becoming a parent.”

“By taking the ‘Trust the Signs Tour’ around Australia, we hope to empower people to trust their gut instinct and ask the question as soon as they spot the signs that someone might be struggling with life.”

The Tour is travelling around 14,000 kilometres over the next eight weeks visiting every state and territory and engaging 24 communities. The next stop is Brisbane for an event at the The Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane on Thursday 18 July.

More information on how to get involved can be found at: www.ruok.org.au

For support at any time of day or night, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

ENDS


NOTES TO EDITORS:

For more information please contact:

• Neha Lokesh: e: [email protected], m: 0470 580 215

• Hannah Evans: e: [email protected], m: 0424 083 499

• Annabel Bowman: e: [email protected], m: 0411 084 18


About the R U OK? Trust the Signs Tour:

R U OK? are calling on Australians to Trust the Signs that someone might be struggling with life.

• R U OK? will take the Trust the Signs message to every state and territory in the build-up to R U OK?Day (Thursday 12 September).

• The Trust the Signs Tour will involve an educational experience where people can learn more about the signs someone may be struggling with life. Inside a giant installation people can interact with life-size silhouettes and signposts to guide them through what might be going on in someone’s life and what they might say or do if they’re struggling.

• The Trust the Signs Tour will travel around 14,000 km, engaging with 24 communities before completing its journey in Sydney on R U OK?Day.

• On R U OK?Day – our national day of action - R U OK? will remind Australians to Trust the Signs, Trust your Gut and ask, “Are you OK?” of anyone who may be struggling with life.


R U OK? wish to thank the Trust the Signs Tour partners: Liptember, Flight Centre Foundation, Twinings, Audi Foundation, Top Parks and Virgin Australia.


About R U OK?

• R U OK? is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life.

• R U OK? Day is a national day of action, held on the second Thursday of September each year. But every day is a day to start a conversation.

• Conversation tips and crisis support contacts can be found at www.ruok.org.au/findhelp

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