R U OKAY? 2018 Conversation Convoy

Supporting one another and those struggling with life is something we all need to do. Ahead of R U OK? Day on September 13, The R U OK? Conversation Convoy is hitting the road again on a six week Conversation Convoy, travelling 14,000 km and visiting 25 communities to show Australians that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?”
Kicking off in Geelong, The R U OK? Conversation Convoy aims to inspire everyone, no matter their location, to invest more time in the people around them and give them the skills, motivation and confidence to start a conversation with anyone they might be worried about.
Essentially, what they’re trying to do is show Australians everywhere that every day is the day to ask, ‘Are you OK?’ It’s so simple. In the time it takes to have a coffee, you can start a conversation that could change a life.
The event itself in Geelong signals the official launch of the Conversation Convoy, and will see a range of activities on the day including a chance to meet R U OK? Ambassadors Steve Bastoni and Steve ‘Commando’ Willis, performances from Tyller Fischer and the Torquay Men’s Shed Choir, a delicious free BBQ, interactive ways to learn the 4 Steps to an R U OK? conversation, children’s activities, and more!
“It’s so important to ask someone if they’re okay,” says Tyller Fischer, a young, up-and-coming singer/songwriter from Melbourne who will be performing at the official launch. “Just asking if someone is okay helps them realise that they aren’t alone; that someone does care about them. A lot of the time people don’t feel that they have anyone that they can talk to or that cares about them.”
With a distinctly unique sound that comes straight from her heart and experiences, Tyller is known for her positive and motivational songs relating to her own journey with mental health, including songs like ‘The BattLe Inside’, which is about fighting mental illness.
“I was in hospital when I started writing my first song,” Tyller explains. “It started off just singing about all the pain that I was feeling and that helped me understand what it was that I was actually feeling and then helped me realise I didn’t want to feel that way any more and I wanted to fight it.”
However, Tyller admits that still has her bad days, and that’s okay. In a post to Facebook, she stated:
‘There is no quick fix for mental illness. Some days are good, others are a challenge, but every single day I get stronger.’

Mental illness is tricky, and breaking down the stigma and starting conversations is crucial to supporting those struggling. An important part of the ‘R U OK?’ Conversation Convoy will be touching on the ‘4 steps to an R U OK? Conversation. Sometimes it can be difficult for not only the people we’re asking, but for those doing the asking, as they may not feel confident if the person does say, “No I’m not ok.” But that’s ok, you don’t have to be an expert to show you care; no one expects that from anyone. It is however important not to use fear as a reason to avoid starting that important conversation.
“Just asking the simple question, it’s so beneficial because it could actually save their life,” Tyller reinforces. “It doesn’t have to be something really difficult, it’s just letting them know that you care.”
To help you out and lend a guiding hand, the R U OK? campaign recommends following four steps and asking the following questions to have a conversation with someone who is not feeling too good.
Ask R U OK?
You can start by asking someone if they are OK and tell them you are here to listen. It could be as simple as asking ‘are you ok?’, ‘are you feeling OK?’ or event just asking ‘how are you going’ or ‘how are things’ is a great place to start a conversation as well as communicating that someone cares.
Listen with an open mind
It’s so important for people to know they are cared for. Be prepared to listen patiently and encourage them to explain what’s bothering them. Take what someone is saying seriously and listen with an open mind. This can be done by expressing your concern in saying ‘I’m worried about you’, encourage further conversation by asking them to ‘start from the beginning’ or just show you understand by saying ‘it sounds like you are going through a stressful time’.
Encourage action
The next important step is to try and encourage the person to take action. This can be done by asking ‘how can I help you?’ or ‘how can I support you?’. Sometimes people also find it comforting to share experiences. This can be done by saying ‘When I was going through a difficult time, I tried this… You might find it useful’. However, if you are really worried, it is important to encourage them to see a health professional. You could say, “It might be useful to link in with someone who can support you. I’m happy to assist you to find the right person to talk to.” Be positive about the role of professionals in getting through tough times; it is so, so, so important.
Check in
It’s always a good idea to check in on anyone going through a hard time. Pop a reminder in your diary to call them in a couple of weeks. If they’re really struggling, follow up with them sooner. It can be as simple as saying ‘I’ve been thinking of you and wanted to know how you’ve been going since we last chatted’. The idea is just to stay in touch and just be there for them; genuine care and concern can make a real difference.
At the end of the day, it’s all about opening the discussion and letting someone know that you care. So, check on your strong friends. Check on your quiet friends. Check on your ‘happy’ friends. Check on your creative friends. Check on each other… because that’s what friends do. A simple message, a chat, a smile, a coffee date… however you check in on your friends, keep doing it and if you think it’s time to check on someone, maybe today is the day.
The free official launch will be happening on Monday July 30 from 7:30am to 9am at Steampacket Gardens on Eastern Beach Road, Geelong. Invite your friends, your family, your colleagues. Let’s come together to open the discussion and encourage everyone to ask ‘are you OK?’.
The Conversation Convoy will depart from Geelong on 30 July 2018 and reach its destination in Sydney on R U OK?Day, Thursday 13 September 2018.
If you, or someone you know, is in crisis, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au
Written by Talia Rinaldo