WHO TO CHECK IN WITH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Christmas and the holiday season can be a difficult time for some people who struggle to navigate the celebrations and festivities going on around them. They might be dealing with the strain of financial pressure, work demands, recent events, grief, or a challenging family situation.
If there's someone who's finding this time of year tough you can make a difference by checking in and having meaningful conversations with the people in your world who:
- Are grieving
- Have had a tough year
- Don’t feel safe in their home
- Are struggling financially
- Have been affected by natural disasters
- Are working over the holidays
- Find the holiday season stressful
- Are unwell
- Have challenging family relationships
- Are spending the holidays alone
- Feel excluded at this time
- Are feeling overwhelmed by world events
HOW TO CHECK IN DURING THE HOLIDAYS
It can sometimes be tricky to know how to support someone who may be struggling at this time of year.
The Calendar of Connection provides a range of connection ideas to help you reach out and lend support. You don’t have to take any particular action on the exact date allocated, rather use the calendar as a thought starter for checking in across the festive season. You can download a PDF version to print at home or use the JPEG image to share on social media, message or email.
MORE TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS
R U OK? Community Ambassadors share their challenges and tips for how to meaningfully check in with the people you care about who might be finding this time of year tough.
R U OK? Ambassador Rachel Clements, from the Centre for Corporate Health, shares her thoughts on how to check in with colleagues and staff during what can be a difficult time for many.
HOW TO HAVE AN R U OK? CONVERSATION
To help you know when and learn how to ask, 'are you OK?' we’ve developed a practical conversation guide that also includes information on how to respond appropriately to anyone who says, 'No. I’m not OK'.
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU SHARE THE MESSAGE
Download our resources to help encourage more meaningful connections and conversations at home, work, school and in your local community. They include posters, social media tiles and an email signature.
SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
R U OK? is not a crisis support or counselling service and our website is not a substitute for professional care. If you need professional support, please contact your doctor, local health centre or one of the services listed below. Family and friends can also call upon these services for advice and assistance on how to support someone who is struggling with life.
If you are concerned for your safety or the safety of others, seek immediate assistance by calling Triple Zero (000).
If you are having suicidal thoughts, please seek assistance from your trusted healthcare professional or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
The following support services will be available 24/7 over the holiday period. For information about other services go to our
Find Help page.
Beyond Blue
Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467
24/7 free counselling and support for people at risk of suicide, carers and bereaved
13 Yarn
13 92 76
24/7 national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
MensLine Australia
Kids Helpline
1800RESPECT
Principal Partners
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