As part of a 29-day trip of regional New South Wales, R U OK's Conversation Convoy has been in Inverell reminding locals to stay connected with one another.
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With support from the Audi Foundation and Connor Men's Clothing, R U OK? strategic support manager Kim Borrowdale has been leading a series of small community group meetings with the purpose of encouraging connections, checking in with rural people and sharing important resources.
"I've been meeting with Inverell businesses and community groups, as well as health organisations and people who are constantly in contact with others outside of their own family to talk about The Mateship Manual and LivingWorks," she said.
Inverell Vet Clinic, Inverell Apex Club and staff at Rural Wrecking received a visit from the convoy and run-down of how they can help someone doing it tough.
The Mateship Manual has been specifically composed to assist and relate to those experiencing disasters or emergencies in regional areas.
"It is important to ask R U OK? every day of the year to help your mates through life's general ups and downs. But at the moment, because there has been so much happening out of people's control, we wanted to develop something that put that into context," she said.
The resource, which is available to download online, educates people on how to spot signs someone is struggling with life and how to navigate a meaningful conversation if someone says, "no I'm not OK".
The manual details R U OK?'s model of ALEC- ask, listen, encourage action and check-in.
"There are some great tips to help you after you've asked the questions R U OK? As human beings, we want to solve people's problems but sometimes it's not about knowing all the answers, it's about walking along side them.
The manual gives steps to take if you realise the conversation may require extra support.
"It isn't about thinking 'oh, no I need them to speak to a professional, I can't help them'. It's about saying 'what do you think might be helpful?' The manual allows you to educate yourself as a member of the community about what support is out there to have in your pocket in case you need it," she said.
A list of organisation contact phone numbers and online links are featured in the back of the manual that provide 24/7 support for free.
Ms Borrowdale acknowledged the importance of free resources for rural people as drought, fires and employment issues have put a financial strain on many.
Another tip mentioned in The Mateship Manual was to always check-in with people and have conversations about what's been happening in their lives.
"It doesn't have to be an intense conversation about feelings. People also find it helpful if you assist them with something physical like taking around some dinner or helping them mend a fence," she said.
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The second valuable resource being promoted by the Conversation Convoy is suicide first-aid training conducted by LivingWorks Start.
The 90-minute online training is interactive and only $20 to complete. However, NSW Health has funded some free licences, specifically for local people who are in a "gateway position" such as a teacher or coach.
"Much like CPR, you may never have to use this training in your life but if you ask someone R U OK? and suicide comes up in the conversation, you will have the skills to deal with it.
"I'd encourage people to get in touch with LivingWorks to ask about the free licences on offer. They also have a whole range of training and offer a two-day suicide first-aid training course," she said.
People within the Inverell community are trained to conduct the two-day course. During her almost month-long trip, Ms Borrowdale said she has been motivated and inspired by rural and regional people.
"Every community, I've been amazed by people who've pulled together during these tough times. You've just been hit over and over with all these challenges and you're just the strongest, most generous people I've ever met.
"Even though it's been tough for all, it's usually those hit hardest who are the first to stand up for their neighbour and do a favour for them.
"The communities I've been to are already living the ethos of R U OK? They just need to think 'how can I help people mentally as well as physically?'," she said.
For more information about The Mateship Manual head to www.ruok.org.au and for information regarding LivingWorks phone 1300 738 382 or head to www.livingworks.com.au.
R U OK? is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with friends, family and colleagues who might be struggling with life.
- If you feel you need support after reading this article, Lifeline offers 24/7 support at 13 11 14 or via their website www.lifeline.org.au. The suicide call back service phone number is 1300 659 467 and also offers 24/7 support.