Ask a Loved One R U OK? and Help Prevent Suicide

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PDF printable version of Ask a Loved One R U OK? and Help Prevent Suicide (PDF 16 KB)

15 September 2011

Australians are being encouraged to reach out to their loved ones, friends and colleagues and check on their wellbeing as part of R U OK? Day - a national day of action to prevent suicide.

The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler will join fellow Members of Parliament, mental health stakeholders and the public for a coffee and a slice of cake at Parliament House on 15 September to encourage the nation to ask: “R U OK?”

"Asking this simple question really can save a life. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do in life, it’s good for someone to ask how you’re doing and for them to be genuinely interested in your answer,” Mr Butler said.

“R U OK? Day is about the simple gestures that can help someone prevent a little issue from developing into a big problem that can then weigh heavily on their minds.

“So if you have a friend or family member who has been doing it a bit tough, why not invite them out for a coffee or give them a call and see how they’re doing? Just by taking the time to listen, we can all make a positive difference to someone’s mental wellbeing.”

Suicide touches the lives of many people in our community and is in every case a tragedy, both for the life that has ended and the family and friends left behind.
The Gillard Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment to redouble efforts to prevent suicide and its devastating impact.

A record $2.2 billion is being invested to make fundamental reforms in Australia’s mental health system over the next five years.

This includes specific suicide prevention activity under the Taking Action to Tackle Suicide package and the National Suicide Prevention Program which together will deliver $231.6 million to vital programs and services over the next four years.

The Gillard Labor Government has supported R U OK? Day since it began in 2009.

It is estimated around 2 million Australians and more than 700 companies will be participating in R U OK? Day workplace activities and encouraging people to talk about suicide prevention.

15 September is R U OK? Day. For details on how to participate in R U OK? Day activities, visit the R U OK? Day website.

For more information please contact Mr Butler’s office (02) 6277 7280