R U OK? Reconnect with someone you love today

r u ok volunteer group

(from the R U OK? website)

Today is R U OK?Day and R U OK? is calling on all Australians to reconnect with someone they’ve lost touch with, as new research from the suicide prevention charity reveals one third of us have unintentionally lost contact with four or more family members or friends. 

Released on the 8th national day of action (Thursday 8 September), the research shows that 24 per cent of us have stopped talking with four to eight loved ones, and a further 10 per cent of us with nine or more people. 

R U OK? Campaign Director Rebecca Lewis said that today’s the day to make a promise to change that. 

“As a community and as individuals, we’re stronger together and it’s important that we make more time for the people we care about,” Rebecca said. “Use today as an opportunity to start a conversation with someone you were once close to, as well as reach out to anyone you’re worried about. Then, make a commitment to be there for one another throughout the year.” 

Adding his voice to the call for regular, meaningful conversations between family and friends is Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. 

“The more we talk, the more people are encouraged to seek help,” Prime Minister Turnbull said. “Checking in with each other is something we can all do to help those around us. So if you think someone you know might need help, ask the question: ‘Are you ok?’” 

R U OK? Conversation Expert Professor Nick Glozier said we’ve all got what it takes to be there for one another – because it ultimately comes down to listening and not judging what someone wants to share. 

“Once you start a conversation and a mate opens up, don’t rush in or leap to conclusions,” Nick said. “It’s important that you listen to what they have to say and guide the conversation with more open questions. Don’t try and fix their problems - or  provide the answers - but help them to identify what they can do to better manage the load.” 

For support at any time of day or night, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For more info, visit ruok.org.au. 

4 comments

 

That's wonderful, but we should try and accomplish this today and everyday...

I realised not long ago just how many people and relatives I have lost contact with over the past years, I religiously wrote letters and sent cards, and made contact by phone but slowly it has ceased as the postage has escalated , the computer made everything so much easier, and I got lazier.. 

Time for a change I think. just to let everyone know I am still alive and kicking..and hope they are too... :)



True Cranky, but sometimes it's good to get a kick in the pants to remind us to do it. I hope you have a great day and glad to hear U R OK!

 

 

Cranky - Hope UR OK too. I love writing letters and an old cousin of 98 has recently died. She was my Dad's 1st cousin and when Dad died I use to write to her. She said "We must keep the lines of communication open, it is so important". She had the most interesting life and lived in many countries of the world. After she died my sister and I tried to get some information from her grand daughter but all communication has dried up. I'm afraid the young ones are perhaps too busy to worry about the past. Even remembering family and friend's birthdays is so important. 

 

Cheers Leo and Hola... I am indeed OK......:) 

Sadly It happens Hola, Some time back I sent an old friend a birthday card and she responded with" .....

That was a lovely surprise -----,but please dont send me anymore, I am 90 now and need no more reminding of the few years I have left...one of your cheery letters will be more than suffice...."

and so be it....Its pen and ink in future..and a smiley letter....lol

Quote from  OP: “Once you start a conversation and a mate opens up, don’t rush in or leap to conclusions,” Nick said. “It’s important that you listen to what they have to say and guide the conversation with more open questions. Don’t try and fix their problems - or  provide the answers - but help them to identify what they can do to better manage the load.”

...and  that just about sums it up. Sometimes all someone needs is a loving ear. I have found more often than not...people can solve many of their own problems but like to know they have a soft place to land should it be needed..

 

As long as you know when to draw the line when people land on you Thea.....Sometimes it feels like you have had all the stuffing knocked out of you with the impact '

There are so many problems.

We've sorted out the "R U OK" thing. If our kids don't keep in touch on a regular basis, they get disinherited!

Well,Ray's OK by the look of it, 13 large magnificent preditory sets of wings have landed at 9.13 pm on the YLC meeting place  page. 

It looks like a scene from the "Birds"... 

That has to be a first for me, I've not seen that on here before..but I now have the the pleasure of breaking your run...you now have 12....

nice to see you keeping in touch with everyone Ray..lolol



Knew it couldn't last Cranks !!

It's hard work keeping in touch with everyone, my wife does that. The children however get a text each day, no  reply and they get a call. We always get a reply!!!

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