R U OK? Day – Thursday 12 September

This Thursday marks R U OK? Day, a national day dedicated to encouraging all of us to regularly check in with others. It’s a day that reminds us of the power of connection and how a simple conversation can make a significant difference in someone’s life. We don’t always know what challenges people are facing, and R U OK? Day helps us be more mindful about offering support to those who might be struggling.

Why is R U OK? Day Important

Mental health can sometimes be difficult to talk about, especially for young people who might not know how to express what they're feeling. In the fast-paced world of school, work, and social media, it’s easy for someone to feel overwhelmed. R U OK? Day encourages us to pause and check on those around us, creating a culture where it’s okay to ask for help.

Starting the conversation is one of the simplest, yet most powerful, ways to show support. Research shows that genuine conversations, even short ones, can prevent mental health issues from escalating.

How to Start the Conversation

If you notice someone seems down, withdrawn, or not quite themselves, take the opportunity to start a conversation. Follow these four simple steps:

1. Ask

• Find a quiet, private place where you can talk, and start with an open, friendly question like, “How are you going?” or “You don’t seem yourself lately. Is everything OK?”
• It can help to show that you’ve noticed specific changes, like, “You seem more tired than usual,” or “You’ve been quiet lately.”

2. Listen

• Give them your full attention and don’t interrupt. It’s important to listen without judgment. Allow them to open up and share their thoughts at their own pace.
• Acknowledge what they’re feeling, and try phrases like, “That sounds really tough,” or “I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling this way.”

3. Encourage Action

• If they mention challenges, ask if they’ve considered taking any steps, such as talking to a trusted friend, family member, or health professional. Offer your support to help them take those steps.
• You might suggest they visit their GP or a counsellor or engage with a service like Headspace or a local mental health support line.

4. Check In

• After your conversation, make sure to follow up. It can be as simple as saying, “I’ve been thinking of you. How have you been since we last spoke?” This lets them know you genuinely care and that your support is ongoing.

For more information on how to have these conversations and further resources, please visit R U OK?

Additionally, we have a special report on SchoolTV covering R U OK? Day, which provides further insights into mental health, wellbeing, and how to support one another effectively.
You can access it here: SchoolTV R U OK? Day Special Report

Live4Life and Year 8 Teen Mental Health First Aid Training

We are thrilled to share that our Year 8 students have now completed their Teen Mental Health First Aid training as part of the Live4Life program. This initiative plays a critical role in empowering our young people to recognise when a peer is struggling and equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to respond.

What is Live4Life?

Live4Life is a community-driven mental health initiative specifically designed for young people. The program addresses youth mental health issues by engaging students, teachers, and the wider community in conversations about mental health. It promotes mental health awareness, provides practical mental health education, and reduces the stigma associated with mental illness.

Why Teen Mental Health First Aid is Vital

Our Year 8 students have now learned key skills that will enable them to:

• Recognise the signs of mental health challenges in themselves and others
• Reach out and offer immediate peer support
• Guide friends towards appropriate adult or professional help when necessary

By building mental health awareness early, we’re ensuring our students can contribute positively to their own mental health and that of their friends and families. This is part of our broader commitment to fostering a mentally healthy school environment.

Upcoming Community Youth Mental Health First Aid Courses

As part of our commitment to supporting the community, Live4Life Ballarat is offering two Youth Mental Health First Aid courses.
These courses are open to all community members and are an excellent opportunity to further engage in mental health education.

These courses are designed to provide participants with the skills to offer initial help to a young person experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem.

Help Seeking and Young People: Headspace Ballarat Initiative

Some of our students have been working closely with Headspace Ballarat, who have recently gathered feedback from young people in our community. One clear message was that many young people wanted more visible information on how to access mental health and counselling services outside of school. Specifically, they requested that this information be displayed on posters in easily accessible locations, such as toilet doors.

In response, Headspace have collaborated with a number of community organisations to create a poster outlining various local counselling and mental health services available to young people. These posters have be placed in strategic areas around the school, including the restrooms, ensuring they are easily visible to all students.

These services provide vital support and ensure our young people know where to turn if they need help outside of school hours.