Rail R U OK?Day 2019

The TrackSAFE Foundation and R U OK? were delighted to hear all the ways in which the day was celebrated; from morning teas, BBQ’s and free massages for employees to trivia, team building exercises and special visits from therapy dogs.

Most notably, TrackSAFE learnt of the numerous reports from rail employees sharing their own stories of being genuinely supported by work-mates and how that helped them negotiate tough periods.

Stories were also shared by those who had reached out to others and asked the question “are you ok?”. These stories cement the notion that trusting your gut instinct and starting a conversation with a work-mate who you feel might not seem themselves can be life-changing. By giving rail employees the skills and confidence to see the signs a work-mate is struggling and reach out to them, we hope to strengthen the scaffolding around those who are going through tough times and help them access appropriate support long before they’re in crisis.

The Foundation places so much importance on this major initiative for this very reason and TrackSAFE and R U OK? are proud to see Rail R U OK?Day become such a success. While Rail R U OK?Day is over for another year, the messages and conversations don’t stop; they should continue to thrive all year round.

Let’s make everyday Rail R U OK?Day.

In the eight-week lead up to Rail R U OK?Day, TrackSAFE and R U OK? sent ‘Quentin’, an interactive digital question mark on a relay-style trip, travelling across to New Zealand and to every Australian state and territory.

Quentin was busy issuing educational and informative challenges to encourage conversations between work-mates. Quentin started his journey in Auckland New Zealand, visiting Transdev Auckland then travelled to Queensland to visit Bombardier.

Following this Quentin visited Roy Hill in Welshpool Western Australia then Pacific National sites at Tighes Hills, Parkes, Wollongong, Rockhampton, Mackay, Bowen, Newcastle and Gunnedah.

Quentin then made a stop at Rydalmere NSW visiting Thales followed by a visit to Sydney’s CBD with Transdev Sydney. Quentin ended the conversation convoy with Sydney Trains taking him to over 30 of their sites.

From the many photos shared with TrackSAFE it is obvious Quentin had a wonderful time helping to connect individuals within workplaces and generate meaningful conversations.

Take a look at the range of materials available at https://tracksafefoundation.com.au/rail-ruok-day/