AROUND 50 locals garbed in bright yellow marched along Commercial Street last week to promote R U OK? Day.
R U OK? Day is a national day of action for the suicide prevention charity, to remind Australians to ask “are you ok?” and check in with loved ones.
The community awareness march was followed by a barbecue lunch in the Cave Gardens, where local service providers were on hand to discuss available support services.
Red Cross volunteer Llewellyn Jones led the marchers as they chanted “are you ok?” and waved at passers by.
Mr Jones said the march was an opportunity for locals to show their support for the R U OK? initiative.
“R U OK? is about inspiring people to start a conversation that could change a life,” Mr Jones said.
“If a friend or family member seems down or withdrawn, it’s as simple as asking ‘are you ok?’ and listening without judgement, encouraging them to take action and checking in with them again soon after.”
The R U OK? mission is to empower Australians to meaningfully connect with people around them.
A number of local cafes joined the campaign this week, displaying promotional material, wearing R U OK? badges and asking customers the all important question.
If you or a loved one is struggling, call Lifeline on 131 114 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 for support.
