Community Comes Together To Ask, R U OK?

Taylor Lifestyle Connections’ Out Of The Shadows walking group. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville

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This World Suicide Prevention Day saw the Whitsunday community deliver their advocacy through a variety of avenues, from a nine-kilometre walk and sausage sizzle to a simple conversation.

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The 10th of September marks a day of remembrance for those who have been lost to suicide, while the day’s other moniker, ‘R U OK?’ gears the community to helping those who are still here.

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“It’s about conversations, connections, helping, looking out for each other,” said Matt Stokes, President of the Whitsundays Suicide Prevention Network.  

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“People do get to that point where someone’s questioning - but if we can prevent them from getting anywhere near that, that’s what our job is.

“We have a great community that cares for one another and simple things like kindness go a long way.”

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The community’s willingness to support others was clear throughout the day, such as in Proserpine, where the Mental Health Disaster Recovery Team hosted a free sausage sizzle.  

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“It’s a reminder to check in with the people around us, not just today, but any day,” said Electorate for the Whitsundays, Amanda Camm MP, on Facebook.

“A genuine conversation and a listening ear can make a big difference.”

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Others made sure to get fitness involved, like Taylor’s Lifestyle Connections whose Out of the Shadows 9 kilometre walk between Cannonvale Beach and Shingley Beach represented the nine Australians who die by suicide each day.

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“Events like this are incredibly important,” said Josie Middleton from Taylor’s Lifestyle connections.

“Being such a small community, we don’t have a ton of resources comparatively.

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“It’s great to have this sort of awareness of what's available, and to let people know they're not alone.”

WSPN also made an appearance at Bowen State High School, where they held a mindfulness markets initiative, where they collected messages of hope from the students, creating a space in the school for kids to read in times of distress.  

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“We’re trying to get kids at an early age, we wanna teach them about resilience because the world is hard,” said Matt.  

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“Teaching them how to be able to get past a problem and see the positive in things.

Beyond the events held on the day, support remains available across the Whitsundays throughout the year.

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Sometimes that support can begin with simply opening up to a trusted friend, family member, colleague or counsellor. For those worried about someone else, asking how they are going, taking the time to listen and checking in again can help keep the conversation going.

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“It’s amazing, just sharing your burdens with one person, how it seems to be a bit lighter,” said Matt.  

“You don’t have to say much, just, ‘hey, where you at?’”

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The WSPN helps connect people with counselling and crisis-support services across Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Bowen and Collinsville through its online Service Finder.

But if you or someone you know needs immediate help, call Triple Zero (000). For 24-hour crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14.  

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