Help is available
Checking in on friends, family and colleagues
Got a feeling that someone you know or care about isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem out of sorts, more agitated or withdrawn or maybe they’re just not themselves. Trust that gut instinct and act on it. Here are some really handy resources to guide your conversations with those your care about:
- Make staying connected a new daily routine
- How to ask someone if they are ok.
- Printable card that could be used to check in on people around you if you can’t have an actual conversation
- Video explaining how people can check in with someone and be there for them
- An inspiring story of a man that sets himself a “100 coffee project” – catching up with old contacts or new friends, he learnt about being present and having meaningful conversations with people.
Additional resources
- Employee Assistance Program
- Lifeline
- Beyond Blue
- Beyond Blue Support Service, staffed by professional counsellors available via phone, webchat or email Beyond Blue’s Online Forums are a safe place to engage with people who have lived through suicidal thoughts Beyond Now safety planning app – free to download for Apple and Android Advice on what to do if you’re experiencing suicidal feelings, how to support someone you are worried about, and how to have the conversation
- RUOK
- Everymind: QPR Suicide Prevention Training
- Black Dog Institute
EAP is a confidential counselling service free for all for UON staff and their immediate family members. The service can help you achieve lifestyle, work, personal and family goals and assist you with managing work and life experiences, issues or concerns that arise from time to time.
Lifeline provides confidential crisis support that is accessible 24 hours a day. We encourage any person in Australia who is contemplating suicide, experiencing emotional distress, or caring for someone in crisis to call (13 11 14) or text Lifeline (0477 13 11 14).
There are those days when something isn't quite right and you've got something on your mind - no matter who you are, or how you're feeling, you can talk it through with Beyond Blue and they will point you in the right direction for further support. You can take action, either for yourself or a loved one, and we’re here to help:
If you have lost a loved one to suicide, we extend our deepest sympathies. The experience following a suicide can be intense, confusing and overwhelming. There may be a wide range of feelings and thoughts that are difficult to understand and manage. Hear survivors’ powerful stories and access support and resources here.
A conversation could save a life - There is more to say after R U OK? The R U OK? mission is to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with and support those around them. We are reminded that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?. Have you got a feeling that someone you know isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem out of sorts, or just not themselves? Trust that guy instinct and act on it.
Everymind and the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network want to empower the community to speak openly and safely about suicide. They are offering free Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) online training to people over 18 who live or work in the Hunter New England and Central Coast regions. To access your free QPR training, click here.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.