Every day is a good day to ask R U OK?

By Oliver Shedden

Sep 12, 2024

Worklocker Echuca’s Matt Lake, Tanya Horne, Shannon Wright, Leanne Hutson, Jaime Lake, Candice Hay and Indyanna Clent-Page. Photo by Aidan Briggs

R U OK? is calling on all Australians to ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day.

And district business owners, staff, community organisations and school staff and students, including Worklocker Echuca, Moama Bakery, Moama Anglican Grammar and Echuca Regional Health, got behind the national day of action on Thursday, September 12.

R U OK? chief executive Katherine Newton said R U OK? started as a national day of action, but has grown into a conversation movement.

‘’People are acknowledging that you shouldn’t wait until R U OK? Day to have this conversation. Asking R U OK? Any Day can help ensure the people you care about feel supported and connected,’’ she said.

Echuca Regional Health marked R U OK? Day with a staff breakfast, where they were asked to draw or write what R U OK? means to them.

Moama Bakery staff decided to support R U OK? Day by baking yellow iced cupcakes and doughnuts for the initiative, which takes place on September 12 every year.

All profits from the sales of the cupcakes and donuts will be donated to the R U OK? Foundation.

Worklocker Echuca co-owner Jaime Lake spotted Moama Bakery’s initiative and wanted to get involved, purchasing some cupcakes and donuts to give customers throughout the day.

She also made sure to ask all community members who came into the store if they were okay and extended a hand to anyone who may need it.

R U OK? is a not-for-profit suicide prevention and mental health awareness foundation that advocates for people to have conversations with one another.

Ms Lake highlighted her reasoning for wanting to get involved in the day as she aims to be able to support the people around her and in the community.

“The cause is close to heart for me because there are a lot of things going on in everyone’s world,” she said.

“I thought it’d be an excellent opportunity to support our customers and pay it forward when they come in store, check on them and make sure they’re doing okay.

“It’s important to start the conversation; it’s a big thing to talk about what’s going on in your life, so if we open up, people can help.”