R U OK? Day was marked across the Whitsundays on Thursday with two community events encouraging meaningful conversations and mental health awareness.
In Cannonvale, the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre and Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) hosted a morning tea at 9am at Cannonvale Beach, followed by a community walk to Shingley Beach — creating space for connection between friends, families and even strangers.
Meanwhile, the Bowen Community Centre brought locals together with its own R U OK? Day event, offering support, connection and a strong sense of community.
R U OK? Day is a day dedicated to asking your close friends, family, and even strangers “Are you okay?”, but it’s a conversation that should be asked more regularly.
Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) President Matt Stokes said he loves the R U OK? Campaign and it’s a reminder that everybody can help when it comes to mental health.
“t's a reminder that checking on everyone is everyone's job," he expressed.
“It's not just for a mental health capacity. It's a friend to friend, family to family, and just those around you. Look for little, subtle changes in their behaviours and check, are you okay?
“Ask the question and then listen and if they need help, get them some help. There's plenty of it out there. It's just connecting the dots.”
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP said the simple words can make a huge difference in someone’s life.
“It is the most simplest of interventions that can change the course of someone's life for the better,” she said.
“I think at the heart of it, everyone wants to know that there is someone that cares, and R U OK? is an opportunity for us all to express care.
“Whether it's a stranger, a friend, one of our own children, checking in is so important and it's great we highlight this on one particular day, but we should be doing it every day wherever we can.”
Have you asked R U OK? today? Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm is joined by members of Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network and Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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