We’re just over a week away from Christmas, and many of us are looking forward to enjoying friends, family and food. And more food.
But for some, Christmas can be one of the toughest times of the year. The pain of losing loved ones - or being estranged or away from family - can become even greater when surrounded by so much talk and so many plans for family holidays and gatherings.
That's why as we approach Christmas, it’s even more important for us to regularly connect with people in our life who are going through a tough time. To help you do this we're encouraging everyone to take one action every day to help create a more connected world.
Get involved by taking one – or all – of the actions below; which are written to the tune of the carol "The 12 Days of Christmas":
On the first day of Christmas my gut instinct said to me…
On the second day of Christmas a wise friend said to me...
On the third day of Christmas my two legs said to me...
On the fourth day of Christmas R U OK? said to me...
Learn the four steps to a conversation, they’re
easy
On the fifth day of Christmas my alarm clock said to me...
On the sixth day of Christmas my letterbox said to me...
On the seventh day of Christmas my diary said to me...
On the eighth day of Christmas my community said to me...
On the ninth day of Christmas my to-do list said to me...
On the tenth day of Christmas my smartphone said to me...
On the eleventh day of Christmas my beating heart said to me...
On the twelfth day of
Christmas my tummy said to me...
Follow Ita's lead and share a meal with a friend or loved one in need
Finally, spend time with those you care about the most. And, in the R U OK? spirit, have plenty of meaningful conversations.
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R U OK? is an Australian suicide prevention charity and registered public health promotion that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times.
R U OK? acknowledges Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities as the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. We are an inclusive organisation and respect people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.
R U OK? is an Australian suicide prevention charity and registered public health promotion that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times.
R U OK? acknowledges Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities as the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. We are an inclusive organisation and respect people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.
R U OK? is an Australian suicide prevention charity and registered public health promotion that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times.
R U OK? acknowledges Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities as the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. We are an inclusive organisation and respect people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.