The Disability Trust supported R U OK? Day 2024 by engaging in various activities across our services and regions. A 30-minute online presentation open to all staff was facilitated by our Senior Managers for Clinical Services and Work Health and Safety. The presentation guided the audience through how to ask someone if they are OK as well as ways to encourage action and offer support. Engagement in this initiative was high, with 166 staff in attendance. Our wonderful Next Step Illawarra participants were involved in another sweet initiative in support of R U OK? Day, they sold homemade delicious yellow cookies outside of The Plant Room café in Spring Hill. This stall raised an impressive $360, which was donated to R U OK?
The support did not stop there. Community programs in the Sydney region saw the photography and social groups discuss the importance of checking in on each other, writing down their names and who they think they can talk to when needed. Additionally, our community programs in the Southern Highlands made R U OK? bunting and brownies, followed by a group discussion about emotions and what makes us happy.
In the Far South Coast, the cooking group in Cooma baked bright yellow cupcakes and wore yellow ribbons. Staff in the Cooma office also got involved in the initiative by decorating the office with signage and handing out beautiful yellow flowers.
The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by our teams across our services and regions highlight the importance of mental health and the strength of community support. We encourage everyone to continue these conversations beyond R U OK? Day, and remember that every day is an opportunity to connect, listen, and support each other.
