A big yellow tent helps Woolgoolga Trust the Signs

R U OK?'s Trust the Signs Tour event brought the Woolgoolga community together at the Marine Rescue Markets to show the difference support, love, kindness and a non-judgemental ear can make to those in need.

R U OK?'s Trust the Signs Tour Tent helped locals learn when and how to start a conversation with someone you're worried.

The tent contained silhouettes and information to help people recognise when a friend, colleague or loved one might need some extra support and advice on how to ask them, "Are you OK?" safely and sensitively.

Community Ambassador Lisa Nichols who lost her mum to suicide reminded attendees that asking the question saves lives.

“We’re learning to talk about suicide, depression and all life’s toughs moments, because the more you talk about it the easier it gets. By starting these conversations we can show people they’re loved, they’re needed and they matter. You could save a life,” she said.

The event came in the wake of new research from R U OK? which revealed that nearly two-thirds of Australians are not confident they know the signs that someone might be struggling with life.

"That might be - what's someone saying that might be out of the normal," R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton said.

"Or what are they doing that's not normal for them, or perhaps let's consider what's happening in their lives."

The Tour is travelling around 14,000 kilometres over the next nine weeks visiting every state and territory and engaging 24 communities. The next stop is the Gold Coast with an event at Southern Cross University on Wednesday 17 July.

More information on how to get involved can be found at: www.ruok.org.au

For support at any time of day or night, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

For more information please contact:

• Neha Lokesh: e: [email protected], m: 0470 580 215

• Hannah Evans: e: [email protected], m: 0424 083 499

• Annabel Bowman: e: [email protected], m: 0411 084 18

About the R U OK? Trust the Signs Tour:

R U OK? are calling on Australians to Trust the Signs that someone might be struggling with life.

• R U OK? will take the Trust the Signs message to every state and territory in the build-up to R U OK?Day (Thursday 12 September).

• The Trust the Signs Tour will involve an educational experience where people can learn more about the signs someone may be struggling with life. Inside a giant installation people can interact with life-size silhouettes and signposts to guide them through what might be going on in someone’s life and what they might say or do if they’re struggling.

• The Trust the Signs Tour will travel around 14,000 km, engaging with 24 communities before completing its journey in Sydney on R U OK?Day.

• On R U OK?Day – our national day of action - R U OK? will remind Australians to Trust the Signs, Trust your Gut and ask, “Are you OK?” of anyone who may be struggling with life.

R U OK? wish to thank the Trust the Signs Tour partners: Liptember, Flight Centre Foundation, Twinings, Audi Foundation, Top Parks and Virgin Australia.

About R U OK?

• R U OK? is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life.

• R U OK? Day is a national day of action, held on the second Thursday of September each year. But every day is a day to start a conversation.

• Conversation tips and crisis support contacts can be found at www.ruok.org.au/findhelp