How you can lend support in times of uncertainty

We all go through life's ups and downs and many Australians continue to face challenges. You can be the one that makes a difference through the power of a genuine, meaningful conversation with someone you know who might be struggling.

It’s normal to feel a range of emotions in challenging times. It may be there is added stress, or people might feel fearful, sad, disappointed, frustrated or anxious. Put simply, it’s normal to not feel OK when there are things going on in the world around us that are out of our control.

That’s why it’s important we stay connected, reach out to our friends, family and co-workers and genuinely ask, “are you OK?”.  During times of uncertainty  or when people are isolated from others, contact from others and feeling connected can really help.

We’ve put together a list of  you can stay connected with the people in your world subject, of course, to any restrictions that might in place in your local area. 

Find a way to ask, R U OK? 
 

Where it’s safe to do so, you can still connect face-to-face. Why not organise to catch up with someone and ask them how they’re doing? If that’s not an option you could give them a call, send them a message or set up a video call. Remember, if you know people that live alone, who are in isolation, or could be doing it  tough, a friendly message from you can show them they’re supported, cared for and they have someone ready to listen. Find a way to ask, “are you OK?”. It could change a life. 
 You can find more conversation tips on our How to Ask page.

Exercise together

Go for a walk or run with friends, head down to the park to kick a footy together (remember to follow the COVID-safe guidelines), get a round of golf in with that friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with for ages or dust off your tennis racket and head down to the local courts. If you can’t get outside together, consider what you can do over a video call or online. Getting moving on screen together is a great way to connect and get the endorphins and conversation flowing.  

Enjoy a dinner date 
or Takeaway Together

Enjoy a sit-down meal in a local restaurant or café or if that's not possible plan a Takeaway Together. You can take advantage of the great takeaway and delivery deals on offer and share a meal at home or online if you can't be with your dinner date in person.  If someone you know  is isolating you could do a Covid-safe meal drop off and set up a video chat to enjoy culinary delights and chatter. It’s not just dinner, either. Friday after-work bonding, midweek trivia, movie nights and Sunday family dinner can all be moved online if you can't catch up in person.

Care package drop-off 

Is someone in your neighbourhood network isolating or ill at home? Check in and ask if there's anything they need. If you are able perhaps offer to do a grocery shop for them with a COVID-safe drop off or run an errand they might not be able to do themselves.  Ask if there is anything else that you can help with that they’re unable to get to whilst they are in isolation. You could even put together a small care package or lend them some puzzles or books to help them pass the time.

Help them connect to others 

Sometimes people won't be comfortable talking to you and that's OK. They might want to talk with someone else or connect  with a support service for advice.

eFriend is a free service that service that allows people who are feeling low, lonely or isolated to virtually connect via video, phone or online chat with peer workers who can offer insight, advice or empathise from their own lived experience.  

If you or someone you know needs some extra support , visit our directory of national support and services here.  For support at any time of day or night, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.  The   Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing and Support Service  is  available here and  on  1800 512 348.