Wellbeing matters in the Gannawarra

Published on 10 September 2020

Wellbeing Matters to us all in Gannawarra flyers have been distributed across the municipality to coincide with RUOK? Day, occurring on Thursday, 10 September 2020.

The flyers aim to raise awareness of mental health issues across the community and provide up to date information on local support available.

Gannawarra Shire Council’s Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said that with the ongoing physical distancing restrictions and the impact this has on mental health, now is an important time to reach out and ask RUOK?

“Whether it is your neighbour, a person in your community who lives alone, or a local business owner, even during these restrictions there are ways to connect with others and ask the question – RUOK,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“Then, it is important to know what to do and how to support a person who says that they are not okay.”

The Wellbeing Matters to us all in Gannawarra flyer encourages people to use ASK:

A - ASSIST - Make contact, show empathy, show you care. “I’m worried about you” or “I’ve noticed...”

S - SUPPORT - Ask questions, actively listen and empathise. Encourage the flow of conversation.

K - KNOWLEDGE/RESOURCES - Help them to access resources or referral if you think they need it.

“Mostly, people just need someone to talk to; someone to listen and understand,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“By knowing what to say, you can help someone feel supported and access appropriate help long before they are in crisis.”

“It is a conversation that could change a life.”

Lifeline is available 24 hours per day on 13 11 14 for anyone concerned for their own mental health or the mental health of another person. In an emergency situation, call Triple Zero (000).

Gannawarra Shire Council, along with the health partners involved in supporting the Wellbeing Matters to us all in Gannawarra flyer have a collective statement for Gannawarra residents - “Let’s check RUOK? We are here and your wellbeing matters to us!”

To learn more about how to ask RUOK? and what to say when someone says they are not okay, visit www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

To download a copy of the Wellbeing Matters to us all in Gannawarra flyer, please click here(PDF, 591KB).

ABOVE: Mayor Lorraine Learmonth with a copy of the Wellbeing Matters to us all in Gannawarra flyer.