News & Press — R U OK? Day 2021, Are They Really OK? Ask Them Today
Are they really ok? Ask them today.
This year’s R U OK? Day message – ‘are they really ok? Ask them today’ – seems more pertinent now than ever before.
What is R U OK? Day?
R U OK? Day is a National day of action on the second Thursday of September (9 September 2021). This day is dedicated to reminding people to regularly check-in with colleagues, family and friends in a meaningful way.
Founded in 2009 by Gavin Larkin who lost his father to suicide, R U OK? Day aims to create a world where we’re all connected and protected from suicide. The organisation’s mission is to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life.
Right now, we are moving through truly trying times and it can be hard to know if those around us are really doing ok. This year’s R U OK? Day message aims to encourage us to continue the conversation after ‘are you ok?’ Life’s ups and downs happen to all of us. So chances are someone you know might be struggling. Your genuine support can make a difference whatever they are facing, big or small.
Mental health in construction
According to reports by MATES in Construction and PWC, 21% of workers in the construction industry were shown to have a mental health condition, and construction workers are more than twice as likely to suicide as other people in Australia.
Thanks to an article by the organisation Chess Connect, 6 pillars of support have been identified to help those within the construction industry feel supported and valued when speaking up about mental health.
- Reducing stigma.
- Increase awareness.
- Making a commitment.
- Supporting employees.
- Building skills and confidence.
- Education on workplace bullying.
Starting the conversation
Tap the below image to find out more about how you can start the conversation with a friend, family member or colleague, and remember, never underestimate the power of the question, ‘are you ok?’
