Simply asking R U OK? is a renowned approach for people to support others who may be experiencing psychological distress – which may for a person be feeling a bit down to deeper feelings of uncertainty, anxiety or depression.

But maybe for some it’s not that simple to either ask if another person is OK, or to act in an appropriate way should someone respond ‘No, I’m not OK’.

With the high incidence of mental illness in Australia, particularly among youth and young adults – the largest part of the leisure sector workforce – it is important to support use of evidence-based and simple strategies to support mental health of ourselves, and others. And data from the evaluation of the companion mental health awareness campaign found may people expressing a need for training about how to help others in regard mental health. People wanted to know how to ask ‘R U OK?’ and how to respond to any answer.

Recognising that “a conversation can change a life”, R U OK? day champions the importance of taking action to care for those who may be struggling with their mental health.

Working with Belgravia Foundation, Belgravia Leisure broadcasted a staff engagement session on R U OK? day with attendance in excess of 180 registrants, likely more as some groups view programs together.  To complement and accentuate the broadcast, a Peer Support Mental Health training program was created, ‘book-ended’ by before and after training evaluation surveys.

The training was designed to help people learn how to trust the signs that another may need help, and identify situations to ask R U OK?  not just on one particular day, but every day possible. The peer support campaign linked well with the companion mental health awareness campaign, and helped initiate conversations among people, informing them to reach out to one another in times of hardship.

Data gathered through the evaluation surveys provided strong evidence that the training was very effective, with large improvements in key skills like ‘noticing someone struggling with mental health’ (+15.6% rating), ‘supporting someone who says ‘No, I’m not ok’ (+22%), and ‘access to supports to help with an ‘R U OK?’ chat (+28.3%).

High praise was offered by many who completed the training.  Comments like ‘awesome’ through to broader descriptions such as ‘great training, succinct and had good take-aways’ and ‘increased my awareness of mental health and I’ll be mindful when interacting with others’ showcase the typical feedback.