Life-size checkers and cookie decorating: mammoth support for R U OK? Day at Western Sydney hospitals

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) facilities and staff were draped in yellow and black ‘R U OK? Day’ paraphernalia today, as the organisation embraced an important national mental health initiative.

R U OK? Day is dedicated to wellbeing and asking others “are you OK?”. This year’s theme is “Trust the Signs, Trust your Gut & Ask R U OK?”.

Several events were on offer including mindfulness sessions hosted by Employee Assistance Program provider Access EAP, information stalls with tips and advice on how to spark an R U OK conversation, and staff gatherings in various wards.  

Blacktown Hospital offered staff free activities including life-size chess, face painting and cookie decorating.  

Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals’ general manager Ned Katrib encouraged staff to support the R U OK Day? message.

“Remember, you don’t need to be an expert to reach out to someone – just a good listener.”

Westmead and Auburn hospitals general manager Brett Thompson encouraged healthcare staff to check in on each other.

“Working in health can be challenging and these conversations can make a real difference to a colleague who may be going through a tough time,” Brett said.

Throughout September, staff can access a 30 minute R U OK? Day webinar recorded by AccessEAP. Click here to watch the webinar anytime this month on your computer or mobile.

For support and advice on how to approach the ‘R U OK?’ conversation and how to respond if the answer is ‘no’, here’s a helpful guide from a WSLHD clinical psychologist.

If you need support, the following organisations are available to help:

Mental Health Hotline (Open 24 Hours) – 1800 011 511

Doctors Health Advisory Unit Helpline (NSW) – 02 9437 6552

Lifeline – 13 11 14

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 46  36

Suicide Callback Service – 1300 659 467

Men’s Help – 1300 78 99 78

JMO Support Line – 1300 566 321