R U OK? releases Are They Triple OK? podcast

R U OK? has launched a new podcast series to encourage life changing conversations, early intervention and supportive behaviour amongst the peers, family and friends of those who work and volunteer in the police and emergency services. 

The ‘Are They Triple OK? podcast’ features personal stories and practical tools to increase social support for emergency services personnel and how to build a mentally healthy workplace. It also includes tips on how to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and navigate a conversation if someone is not OK. 

Episode one features James Maskey, a retired front-line Queensland Police Officer. In 2013, James was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

“As first responders historically, we talk about everything except for mental health and, importantly, suicidal thoughts,” said Mr Maskey.

“Either because we didn't have the confidence to have that conversation, or we were worried about the impacts of having that chat. And when I say we, I'm talking about me. Certainly, that was my experience.”

“My advice to the emergency services community is to learn how to have an R U OK? conversation and start having them.

"If someone is struggling, reaching out for help can feel like a heavy thing to do, it can be a hard task and it can feel overwhelming. But when you take the time to ask someone how they’re travelling, you can take some of the weight off and some of the burden away. People are often relieved to have a conversation and feel that level of camaraderie.” 

 The ‘Are They Triple OK? podcast’ is hosted by Matt Newlands, R U OK? Community Ambassador and former police officer and is one of a suite of free resources available from R U OK? for those who work in the police and emergency services, their families and friends.

The podcast and resources including a conversation guide and personal stories that demonstrate the life changing impact of an R U OK? conversation can be found here.

The ‘Are They Triple OK? podcast’ is available for download on a range of streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and Audible.  Click below to listen.