Free activities for R U OK? Day

Published 6:00am 2 September 2024

Words by Ashleigh Howarth

Conversations around mental health will be thrown into the spotlight this month as the team from Encircle Community Services gather to show their support in recognition of R U OK? Day.

Held on the second Thursday in September each year, R U OK? Day contributes to suicide prevention efforts by encouraging people to invest more time in their personal relationships, have a conversation if they identify signs of distress or difficulty, and connect them to appropriate support services before they're in crisis.

As a way to help locals start a meaningful conversation this month, Encircle CEO Barb Power OAM says the free events will be held at the Redcliffe, Pine Rivers, and Kallangur Neighbourhood Centres.

“For us here at Encircle, R U OK? Day is significant in so many ways - it sends a universal message of kindness and care to anyone in your sphere – young, old, friend, or stranger – and helps people feel noticed and worthwhile,” Barb says.

The first event will be a Carers R U OK? Day Morning Tea at Pine Rivers on September 5 from 10am-12pm.

This will be followed by a Seniors Morning Tea at Redcliffe on September 9 from 10am-12pm.

During the event, attendees will be able to hear from a guest speaker, get a wellness check, and enjoy a cuppa and snacks.

An interactive Youth Zone will then be set up at Redcliffe for young people on September 12, which is the actual date of R U OK? Day this year.

The day will include a free lunch or afternoon pizza from Liam’s Kitchen, sponsored by The Belvedere, as well as chat zones with guest speakers from Dolphins Leagues Club and headspace Redcliffe, a wide range of interactive activities, plus a number support services for those who need extra assistance.

“With the support of our partners, our goal is for the Youth Zone event to bring young people together to talk, check-in, laugh together, have fun, and support each other to be OK,” Barb says.

“For some, dealing with and managing life’s challenges, no matter how simple they might seem to others, is difficult, distressing, isolating, confusing and can be just straight out too hard.

“This is particularly true for many of our young people who are currently dealing with the challenges life can throw up; having no-one to talk too, having safe shelter, and feeling alone.”

The final event will be a Men’s R U OK? Barbecue and Awareness day at Kallangur on September 21 from 11am-1pm.

People who are interested in attending any of these events should contact the neighbourhood centre directly for catering purposes.

Contact details

Redcliffe Neighbourhood Centre

Address: 1 lamington Dr, Redcliffe

Phone: 3284 3081

Kallangur Neighbourhood Centre

Address: 51 Marsden Rd, Kallangur

Phone: 3465 3200

Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre

Address: 865 Gympie Road, Lawnton

Phone: 3889 0063

Reach out for support

If you or someone you know is in need of help, you can find lots of tools and resources such as the Chit Chat Channel, tips on how to start a conversation, real stories and more on the R U OK? Day website.

For additional support, reach out to one of the services listed below.

Lifeline

13 11 14

Call Lifeline 24/7 for crisis support and suicide prevention services. Text support is also available: 0477 13 11 14.

Beyond Blue

1300 22 4636

Phone Beyond Blue 24/7 for advice, referral and support from a trained mental health professional.

Suicide Call Back Service

1300 659 467

The Suicide Call Back Service offers 24/7 free counselling and support for people at risk of suicide, carers and bereaved.

Mensline Australia

1300 78 99 78