R U OK? at Work is on Thursday 7th October, 2010 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.

On that Thursday 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 R U OK? at Work 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 R U OK? at Work


  • 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 R U OK? at Work 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. In the two weeks leading up to R U OK? at Work you will be emailed supporting material for Team Manager's weekly meeting including recommended script, checklist, posters and resources as well as suggested copy for the CEO's reminder email and a checklist covering awareness, resources and support.

Resources and Support


  1. How to ask RUOK? and support guide - download here
  2. 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
  3. I’m not OK and support guide - download here
  4. Team Leaders Meeting Guide - download here
  5. R U OK? at Work Poster – suitable for printing as A4 or A3 - download here
  6. R U OK? at Work Overview download here
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