NEXT week, people around the country will be asked to turn to their friends, family and work colleagues and check in on their mental health – R U OK? Day is next Thursday, encouraging people to start a conversation that could change someone’s life.
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Before the national day, a group of students studying their Certificate IV in Community Services at Macksville TAFE will hold a sausage sizzle and information day in Macksville.
“During the subject, part of their role is to learn how to run a community project,” teacher Roger Horton said.
“This group weren’t interested in doing a simulated project, they wanted to do something real – and when the topic of suicide and prevention came up, referring to R U OK? Day, it seemed to touch a nerve with them.”
As part of the project, the group of students have looked at Australia-wide statistics and applied them locally … with some alarming results.
“There are no suicide services in the Valley,” member Bert Gray said.
“We calculated here, that about 2-3 people commit suicide and 50 people consider it per year.
“The statistics are shocking. It’s hidden away too much … yet when we asked our group who had been touched by it, everyone said yes.”
The way we see it is if we save one life, then we are doing our job
- Bert Gray
The sausage sizzle and information stall – with referral pamphlets and information – will be outside Foodworks in Wallace St, Macksville on Tuesday, September 6 between 10.30am and 2pm.
“We believe that asking ‘are you okay?’ is something we can all do to make a difference in people’s lives.”
