From Hilltops Council – Mayor Margaret Roles

This week the Hilltops Youth Action Group (HYAG) has been busy hosting a series of R U OK days in Harden, Boorowa and Young.

The mission of the RUOK campaign is to have ‘a world where we are all connected and are protected from suicide and to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life’.

The Murrumbidgee Local Health District has the third highest suicide rate in NSW.

Many of us have been touched by this tragedy.

A strong community is one that cares and supports each other. RUOK challenges us to chat with a family member, friend, workmate, or neighbour, that we feel might be struggling, and ask that all important question – ‘Are you OK?’

A simple conversation today could save a life.

RUOK suggests a 4-step conversation:
1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen without judgement
3. Encourage Action
4. Follow up.

Seek professional advice if you are concerned about a person or if they have made threats of self-harm. And if you don’t think you’re in the right space or the right person to have the conversation, try to think of someone else in a support network who could ask RUOK?

The importance of access to support services and resources to enhance community mental health and well-being is increasingly being recognised.

I applaud all the support agencies in our region for their tireless work and thank the community for supporting the Headspace for Hilltops campaign. Once again HYAG has been at the centre of the action.

RUOK also reinforces the need to look after ourself – how many of us do a ‘personal audit’ – a self-care mental check by asking ‘how am I today?’

Have the courage to ask RUOK – it can be a tough world but by caring and supporting each other we can get through the hard times and build up our resilience and emotional strength.

Life is beautiful – especially in Hilltops!

Mayor Margaret Roles

• Topics:

• Community
• Mental Health