Make your Check-In List this Christmas

The holiday period can be a particularly difficult time for many Australians. Feelings of loneliness, isolation and grief and can be common and the impact of added financial and social pressures is significant.

To help combat this, R U OK? is encouraging us to create a ‘Christmas Check-In List’, to remind us all to connect with colleagues, friends and loved ones who might be finding the 2019 holiday season particularly difficult.

The ask is simple:

1. Reflect on those in your world that have faced a challenging time in 2019

2. Add them to your Christmas Check In list

3. Connect with those on your list to let them know they’re not alone

“The holiday period can be a challenging time for many and it’s important that as a community we recognise and support those who are finding this a difficult time of year,” said R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton. “ One positive thing we can all do is consider those who might be doing it tough, jot down their names and let them know they’re not alone.

“You can start your Christmas Check In list by reflecting on the year: who has lost a loved one, been acting differently, or just had challenging things going on in their life? Do I know people who have moved away from home and are missing family and friends? Has anyone mentioned they’re working too much or struggling financially?

“Once you’ve got your list, connect with those on it. Go for a walk, do some Christmas shopping together, make time for a cuppa – enjoy any connection that says, ‘Hey, I know this time of year can be difficult, but you’re not alone through this,’ because that simple conversation can change a life.”

‘Christmas Check-In’ targets all Australians to encourage early intervention and help-seeking.

For tips on who to add to your Christmas check-in list and how to get the conversation started, search #RUOKCheckIn on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.ruok.org.au

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.

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