Tracksafe: First ever Rail R U OK?Day takes industry by storm
On 16 April, the TrackSAFE Foundation and R U OK? initiated an industry specific R U OK? campaign for over 110,000 workers in the rail, transport and storage sector.
The campaign was embraced by over 20 stakeholders in the industry, including broader involvement from companies with a direct relationship to the sector (such as Bluescope Steel and Volkswagen Australia).
As an industry affected too often by suicide and other trauma, Rail R U OK?Day was a great campaign to help remind workers about the importance of looking out for one another.
Events and activities took place in over 60 locations and at the heart of the day was a invitation to all staff to make ,meaningful conversations between workmates a way of life.
R U OK? Community Ambassador Justin Geange helped spread the message by sharing his story at a number of events in the lead up to and on 16 April. Justin, a former Queensland Rail worker, inspired many people with his own experience of surviving a suicide attempt and getting through a very challenging time in his life.
As the first industry-led initiative of its type, Rail R U OK?Day strongly supports R U OK?’s strategy to encourage regular, meaningful conversations 365 days of the year.
“R U OK? is committed to working with industry to ensure that everyone who has the capacity to ask “are you okay?” will do so,” said R U OK? General Manager Brendan Maher.
“This campaign was embraced enthusiastically by senior management and provides a great blueprint for other sectors to follow suit,” said Brendan.
“R U OK? Is committed to working with industry, communities and organisations to improve the connections we have with each other and reduce the tragic impact of suicide.”
To find out more, watch this video: https://youtu.be/ww0ekZ0J_Hs
