R U OK? calls on Daylesford to Trust the Signs someone might be struggling with life 

The nationwide R U OK? ‘Trust the Signs Tour’ visited Daylesford last weekend joined by R U OK? Community Ambassadors and local support services.

R U OK? welcomed the community at the Daylesford Sunday Market for a free feed, activities for all ages and a chance to learn more about navigating a conversation with someone you’re worried about.

The ‘Trust the Signs Tour’ comes in the wake of research released by R U OK? that found:

• • Nearly two-thirds of Australians (63%) are not confident they know the signs that someone might be struggling with life.
• • Of those surveyed, 41% hadn’t asked someone if they were OK because they weren’t sure they knew the signs.
• • However, there is hope, with almost 1 in 2 (49%) believing they’d be more confident starting a conversation if they knew the signs.

The Tour is travelling around 14,000 kilometres visiting every state and territory and engaging 24 communities in an educational experience.

R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton says the Tour aims to build confidence in recognising when someone might be struggling so that Australians ‘Trust the Signs, Trust their Gut and Ask R U OK?’.

“We know the majority of Australians believe talking to someone who’s struggling can make a difference. But what we’re hearing, is that people aren’t sure when the right time is to have an R U OK? conversation,” said Newton.

“Signs can be subtle changes in verbal or non-verbal behaviour. A loved one might tell you they’re having difficulty switching off or a mate might be withdrawing from social situations like not turning up to training. We’re encouraging people to look out for those cues. We can also make a conscious effort when we know someone is going through a significant life change such as job loss, relationship breakdown, study pressure or perhaps becoming a parent.”

“By taking the ‘Trust the Signs Tour’ around Australia, we hope to empower people to trust their gut instinct and ask the question as soon as they spot the signs that someone might be struggling with life.”

This year the ‘Trust the Signs Tour’ involves two dozen communities that have reached out for an R U OK? visit.

The Daylesford community heard from R U OK? Community Ambassador Ryan Daykin. Ryan is a Victorian based country and alternate pop artist who is passionate about raising awareness for mental health, running R U OK?’s Music for Mates for the last two years.

Importantly each event on the ‘Trust the Signs Tour’ highlights local mental health support services, volunteer organisations and Suicide Prevention Networks, ensuring those attending are aware of the existing services available in their community for the times an R U OK? conversation is too big for friends and family.

The ‘Trust the Signs Tour’ will complete its journey in Sydney on 12 September to coincide with R U OK?Day, a national day of action marked with events around the country.

Ambassadors, including Brooke Blurton, Barry Du Bois, Travis Collins, Barry Conrad, Casey Donovan, Bianca Dye, Dan Holdsworthy, Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins, Rachael Lynch, Miguel Maestre, Ben Ross and Steve ‘Commando’ Willis, have thrown their support behind the ‘Trust the Signs Tour’.

R U OK? is encouraging all Australians to learn the signs, download a practical toolkit and start regular meaningful conversations throughout their communities when its needed. More information on how to get involved can be found at: ruok.org.au For support at any time of day or night, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.