R U OK?’s Conversation Convoy bound for regional towns across Australia
On July 30, R U OK?’s Conversation Convoy hit the road on a journey across the country, encouraging Aussies to look out for each other by raising awareness about mental health — a deep concern in remote regions, where suicide rates are 40 per cent higher than in metropolitan areas.
On their mission, R U OK? representatives will deliver a total of 26 community-focused events in towns and cities around Australia, finishing up on September 13. Dispelling any stigma associated with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, it’s their aim to connect communities with local service providers to show them support is always available.
And it’s no coincidence the convoy is made up of four vehicles. Each bright-yellow Audi represents one of the four steps — Ask, Listen, Encourage Action and Check In — to starting a conversation with someone who might need help. Beginning with “Are you okay?”, the dialogue is designed to potentially change the outcome of someone’s future.
This year’s Conversation Convoy will pull up at Longreach, Mount Isa, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Alice Springs, Broome, Darwin, Kununurra, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing, Rockhampton, Hervey Bay, Lismore, Inverell, Grafton, Newcastle, Griffith, Young, Mildura, Murray Bridge, Mount Barker, Geelong, Ulverstone, Devonport, Sydney and Canberra.