A free coffee and a reminder to look out for one another greeted customers who stopped by Freckles or Warialda's Country Dust Cafe for their daily brew this morning.
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An RUOK Day initiative, local organisation HealthWISE shouted the morning rush in coffee shops throughout the region in an effort to reach out to both customers and small businesses struggling with the pandemic.
"With the additional pressures COVID 19 has placed on communities, families and individuals; looking out for one another is more important than ever," HealthWISE mental health team leader Tanya Hague said.
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"There are many additional challenges with isolation, businesses unable to open, and many people working from home with additional responsibilities of home schooling."
Along with the free coffee, customers were offered resources on how to start a conversation on mental health with friends and family, and information about services that can help.
Freckles Café owner Jenny Thomas, has been a long supporter of RUOK Day, and was thrilled to partner with HealthWISE for this initiative.
"When I think of RUOK Day, I always think of a time when I wasn't 'ok' and I also think of the beautiful lives we have lost over the last 10 years from suicide. We are missing some truly special people and my thoughts go to their families as they are reminded of their loss at this time," she said.
"I think we all get busy and sometimes forget to check on those around us, and just one conversation or kind gesture can change someone's path. It's also very common for people struggling to hide their pain, but we need to let them know it is ok to say you're not ok."
Tanya said RUOK Day was about taking action and engaging in meaningful conversations by asking colleagues, friends or family the simple question: 'Are you OK?'.
HealthWISE has long been dedicated to improving health in the community and offers a range of services across the region, including mental health clinicians, lived experience, Aboriginal outreach, drought and bushfire relief.
To learn more about the services HealthWISE offers in your area, visit healthwise.org.au. To learn more about how to have a conversation about mental health, visit ruok.org.au.
Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.
Always call 000 if a life is in danger.
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