R U OK? CONVERSATION CONVOY CONNECTING COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE PILBARA AND THE KIMBERLEY
This month, the R U OK? Conversation Convoy will travel across the Pilbara and the Kimberley regions, hosting a series of free public events to engage with local communities.
These events, taking place in Karratha, Port Headland, Broome, and Kununurra, offer attendees a chance to enjoy a complimentary cup of tea or coffee while learning about the crucial role we all play in supporting our friends, family, and colleagues.
Steven Satour, a Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara man from Central Australia and leader of the R U OK? Stronger Together campaign for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, will be part of the Convoy.
“We know there are many in our communities that are doing it tough, and access to services can be harder in remote regions; it’s important we are there for each other,” says Mr. Satour. “By taking the R U OK? Conversation Convoy to the Pilbara and the Kimberley, we want to support communities with the tools to check in on each other and ask, ‘are you OK?’ in a way that makes sense for them.”
Research indicates that recipients of a meaningful R U OK? conversation feel supported, heard, safe, and better equipped to manage their situation after talking with someone who shows genuine interest and concern.
“By asking each other how we’re going early and often, we build trust and create a safe place for people to share how they’re really feeling,” adds Mr. Satour.
R U OK? will provide free practical tools and tips to encourage people to stay connected and have conversations that can help those close to them through challenging times.
In 2024, the R U OK? Conversation Convoy will also visit regional communities across New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia.
“It’s important for us to meet people where they are,” said Katherine Newton, CEO of R U OK? “Some people find it easier to talk with someone in person when they’re trying to find out what services and organizations are available to support them.”
During the Convoy, R U OK? will link with local services and visit communities, schools, and workplaces, providing resources and listening to feedback.
Look out for the R U OK? Conversation Convoy at public events in:
Karratha – Tuesday 04 June 2024,
Roebourne - Wednesday 05 June 2024
Port Hedland – Thursday 06 June 2024,
Broome – Saturday 08 June 2024,
Kununurra – Wednesday 12 June 2024.
A full schedule of the R U OK? Conversation Convoy public events, and resources to help support local communities can be found at: ruok.org.au.
For support at any time of day or night, Lifeline provides free and confidential crisis support. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online at: lifeline.org.au.
13YARN is a free 24/7 service offering crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. Call 13YARN (13 92 76).