Council is taking part in mental health awareness campaign, R U OK? Day again this year on Thursday 9 September 2022.

This important initiative encourages people to ask a friend, family member, colleague, or neighbour the simple question, ‘Are you okay?’ and be prepared to encourage action if someone is struggling with their mental health. 

With nearly half of all Australians expected to experience some form of mental illness during their lifetime, and the Central Coast holding one of the highest rates of suicide in comparison to other health districts across NSW, the importance of checking in with people around you could not be more pertinent. 

Asking for help isn’t always easy, but you don’t need to be an expert to reach out. Starting a conversation could be as simple as:

• Asking R U OK?
• Listening
• Encouraging action
• Checking in

I encourage everyone to ask, listen, encourage action and to check in on those around you, and learn to understand the importance of initiating meaningful conversations for R U OK? Day and beyond.

Rik Hart, Administrator