R U OK?'s Conversation Convoy visits Tauondi Aboriginal College in Port Adelaide

Students, staff, police and community members engaged in a series of fun activations designed to connect people, prompt them to notice the signs someone was doing it tough and to look out for one another.

Around 60 students attended the event in the forecourt of the school while R U OK? CEO Brendan Maher explained why checking in regularly with mates and loved ones was one of the best ways to support someone you were worried about.

“A woman I met from an outback community once told me that we all have a fire and a light within us. But during tough times the light can dim and the fire can burn low. If you see this happening to a friend or family member, it’s time to ask “are you ok?”,” he said.

“I think that sums up perfectly what R U OK? is all about, keeping alert for signs that someone’s not quite themselves or they seem withdrawn or quiet or angry.

“Sometimes we lose someone close to us, we have a relationship breakdown, we get into financial difficulty, we struggle to stay on top of things and we just can’t cope

“We’ve all been there and when those things happen it’s vital that we check in and keeping asking are you okay until they’re in a better place”

“We don’t have to have all the answers, but we do have our eyes, ears and mouths to support and guide them to help.

“We can all be there for someone in our world that is going through a rough patch.”

R U OK?s Conversation Convoy is endeavouring to teach and reach as many Australians as possible to reinforce the four steps to a conversation.

The 4 steps are; Ask, Listen, Encourage action and Check in.

The Convoy is encouraging other mental health organisations to use the Conversation Convoy events as a platform to showcase their resources within the towns and cities they visit.

Today, Port Adelaide headspace, Wesley Lifeforce Suicide Prevention Network and Rural and Remote Mental Health participated in the Tauondi Aboriginal School event alongside R U OK?.

The Conversation Convoy’s next community event will be held at The Rail Lands at Mount Gambier, South Australia, and will feature local R U OK? Ambassador and performer Louise Adams, performer James Van Cooper and Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin.

For more information on the Conversation Convoy’s route and event locations Please contact:

Media manager Lisa Minner

Ph: 0421623387 or 0456475033

Nicole Warwick: [email protected] or 0412 934 643

Lizzy Thomas: [email protected] or 0400 922 919