The R U OK? Conversation Convoy will connect with regional communities across the Bega Valley this week through a series of free public events.
After hosting community events from Wollongong to Ulladulla, the convoy will be in Bega, Pambula Beach and Wyndham this week to offer a free cuppa and a chance to learn more about the important role we can all play in looking out for our friends, family and colleagues.
R U OK? will be sharing free practical tools and tips to encourage people to stay connected and have conversations to help those close to them through difficult times.
“Regular, genuine conversations about how we’re really going, have the power to change lives, and help the people in our world feel more supported when they’re facing life’s challenges,” said Katherine Newton, R U OK? CEO.
“By taking the R U OK? Conversation Convoy around Australia, we work to empower people with the confidence to have a meaningful conversation if they spot the signs someone close to them might be struggling with life.”
The R U OK? Conversation Convoy travels around the country as part of the R U OK? outreach work in regional and rural communities.
In 2024, the R U OK? Conversation Convoy will spend time in 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 at,” said Ms Newton. “Some people find it easier to talk with someone in person when they’re trying to find out what services and organisations are available to support them?”
During the Convoy, R U OK? link in with local services and visit communities, schools, and workplaces, providing resources and listening to feedback.
“We know that locals know best, and the Conversation Convoy gives R U OK? the opportunity to hear directly from communities to better understand their current needs. This informs the development of future resources and campaigns to ensure they are practical and useful,” Ms Newton added.
The R U OK? Conversation Convoy is made possible thanks to the generous support of our partners: CONNOR Clothing, The Audi Foundation, KitKat, Nescafé, Spirit Super and AXL+CO by CONNOR.
Look out for the R U OK? Conversation Convoy on the South Coast at public events in:
· Bega – Thursday 21 March, 4:30-6pm, Sapphire Community Pantry, 2 Peden Street.
· Bega – Friday 22 March, 12-1:30pm, Bega Heritage Centre, 13/11 Lagoon Street.
· Pambula Beach – Saturday 23 March, 10am-3pm, Beats By the Beach with Headspace, Discovery Parks, 1 Pambula Beach Road.
· Wyndham – Sunday 24 March, 8:30am-1pm, Wyndham Markets, corner Clarke and Gordon Streets.
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)
Images: R U OK?
