RUOK?Arvo is on Friday November 27, 2009 and is dedicated to reducing stress and depression in the workplace by encouraging work mates to connect and support each other . Ultimately the aim is to help reduce Australia’s shockingly high suicide rate. RUOK?Arvo is the workplace prelude to RUOK?Day which will be on Sunday November 29, 2009.

On that Friday afternoon, all workers will be invited to connect with one person they care about – either a loved one or work colleague - and ask RUOK? Resources to help with awareness, how to ask RUOK, how to say “I’m not OK”, and support services to refer people to are on this website.

Founding Supporters


We are delighted that these organisations have already agreed to participate in RUOK?Arvo and demonstrated outstanding commitment to the mental health of their employees and the community.

Alexion, APN Media, AT Kearney, Australian Human Resources Institute, Black Dog Institute, CareerOne, Cbus Super, Cochlear, Davidson Trahaire Corpsych, DLA Phillips Fox, Freehills, Inspire, Investment and Financial Services Association, Lifeline, Lundbeck, Mental Health Association of NSW, News Limited, Ramsay Healthcare, SANE Australia, Sex Discrimination Commission, Simon & Schuster, STW Group, Talent2, The Next Step, Toll Holdings, University of Western Sydney, Zurich Financial Services

Objectives of RUOK?Arvo


  • To help employees feel good about themselves through connecting and supporting others.
  • To increase connection and support within organisations.
  • Through that connection and support, to reduce workplace stress and depression – the greatest source of lost productivity in Australia.
  • Through reducing work place stress and depression to reduce Australia’s suicide rate.

Process


  1. When RUOK Arvo company champion registers on the website they will immediately receive an email which will summarize the plan under these categories: Awareness, Resources, Support, Key Dates for diary, Checklist.
  2. Nov 12 – via email will receive supporting material for Team Managers weekly meeting (Nov 16-20) including recommended script, checklist, posters and resources.
  3. Nov 23 – via email will receive prompt and suggested copy for the CEO’s reminder email which they will send on November 25.
  4. Nov 26 – via email Team Managers will be sent checklist covering awareness, resources, support.

Awareness


  1. RUOK?Day and RUOK?Arvo will be launched between November 1-3, 2009 with major editorial support from our founding media partner, News Ltd.
  2. All November - an inspiring 30 second television commercial will air on Foxtel - public transport posters will appear – editorial articles from News Ltd papers on benefit of asking RUOK? – Macquarie, VEGA, and NOVA radio station providing editorial – social media campaign – highlighted on major websites including CareerOne, Lifeline, Black Dog Institute, SANE Australia, ReachOut .
  3. 30000 posters distributed to doctors around Australia. There will be high profile ambassadors to announce approaching RUOK?Day and RUOK?Arvo.

Resources and Support


  • How to ask RUOK? and support guide download here
  • Free chapter “Learning to Listen” from “BACK FROM THE BRINK TOO: Helping your loved one overcome depression” SANE Australia’s 2009 Book of the Year download here
  • I’m not OK and support guide download here
  • Team Leaders Meeting Guide – for weekly team meeting Nov 16-20 – download here
  • RUOK?Arvo Poster – suitable for printing as A4 or A3 download here
  • WORD document – this will have recommended copy for CEO’s initial awareness and reminder email on Nov 25. Being in WORD means they can be adapted to individual company’s message. download here


Information Partners Websites
www.lifeline.org.au
www.BlackDogInstitute.org.au
www.sane.org
www.ReachOut.org.au
www.SuicidePreventionAust.org
www.SuicideCallbackService.org.au
www.IamBackFromTheBrink.com
www.beyondblue.org.au


Support
Professionals Contact
Local doctor (GP), or find a GP near work that specialises in mental health
EAP service to speak to a counsellor Details may be listed on Intranet or contact HR if unsure
beyondblue have a list of GPs with an interest in mental health issues – search by postcode www.beyondblue.org.au
1300 224636
Find a Psychologist through the Australian Psychological Society – search by postcode www.psychology.org.au
1800 333 497
Help Lines Lifeline
24/7 telephone counselling service
13 11 14
Beyondblue Info Line 1300 22 4636
Mensline
24/7 Support for men dealing with relationship and family issues
1300 789 978
Kids Help Line
24/7 Telephone and online counselling for your people between 5 & 18
1800 55 1800
Domestic Violence Helpline
24/7 telephone service for people affected by domestic violence
1800 656 463
Suicide Call Back Service
For suicidal, carers, and bereaved
7 days: 10am – 8:30pm
1300 659 467
Mental Health Information Service (NSW only) 1300 794 991
SANE Australia Helpline
Weekdays 9-5 – mental health advice
1800 688 382
Gay & Lesbian Counselling Line
Weekdays 9-5 – mental health advice
1800 184 527
Veterans Line 1800 043 503
Telephone Interpreter Service
If English is not your first language please call the Telephone Interpreter Service
131 450


Key Dates


Nov 1
  • RUOK Arvo will be launched to the broader business community
  • www.ruokarvo.com.au will be live
Nov 2
  • As soon as organisation registers it is recommended that CEO send an email to all staff advising of participation (suggested copy provided).
  • Recommended that resources and support services be highlighted on company’s intranet.
Nov 16-20
  • Team leaders will be requested to discuss RUOK Arvo in the weekly team meeting (recommended script provided). A theme to get into the spirit of RUOK?Arvo could be decided.
  • A team member should volunteer to print and place RUOK posters beside lifts, in bathrooms, and tea/lunch room.
Nov 25
  • CEO sends out reminder email to employees (suggested copy provided).
Friday Nov 27
  • AM - team leader does final check to ensure all employees have resources for afternoon.
  • PM – ready set go for RUOK?Arvo.
Sunday Nov 29
  • RUOK?Day