Tomorrow (9 September) is R U OK? Day, a national day of action and a reminder to check in and start a meaningful conversation every day with the people around us.

This year’s message of ‘Are they really OK? Ask them today’ pushes all Australians to consider how people around the world are really going.

A webinar event tomorrow is being held tomorrow at 12.30pm for anyone to join in and learn when and how to ask R U OK? It will include guest speakers Katherine Newton, the CEO of R U OK?, and Sam Mac, a weatherman for Sunrise and an R U OK? Ambassador. 

R U OK? has also developed free resources such as presentations, classroom activities, conversation guides and staff resources to help encourage everyone in schools, workplaces and local communities to think and ask about how people are really going.

To register for the webinar and access their resources, visit: www.ruok.org.au

This year’s Gezza Cares Yellow Up initiative also coincides with R U OK Day, with the residents of Gerringong and surrounds being encouraged to Yellow Up again to bring some hope and light to the town for the whole of the month.

Ways to yellow up include putting up Gezza Cares stickers and yellow ribbons as well as planting flowers, painting rocks and creating yellow themed mufti days for local schools.

To find out more about Gezza Cares, visit their Facebook or email [email protected]

Additional mental health support during lockdown has also recently been made available through a pop up mental health service called Head to Health. This service was set up by Family Services Australia in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Community Services Hub at Stockland Shellharbour City Centre.

To access Head to Health, people can simply call 1800 595 212 to discuss their needs and concerns. They will then be directed to mental health services in their area that most appropriately meet their individual situation.

For support any time call Lifeline: 13 11 14