Steve Satour speaks about R U OK

ASK YOUR MOB, YOUR WAY, R U OK?

R U OK? today launched “I ask my mob, in my way, are you OK?”, to support ‘Stronger Together’ a targeted suicide prevention campaign for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The suite of resources for “I ask my mob, in my way, are you OK?” includes culturally appropriate content led by community voices with guidance from the R U OK? Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group and in collaboration with the Brisbane Indigenous Media Association.

The campaign encourages people to engage and offer support to their family, friends and colleagues who may be struggling with life. The resources feature engaging and authentic stories that promote a sense of connection, hope and identity.

“The Stronger Together campaign reinforces the power of yarning and “I ask my mob, in my way, are you OK?” is about showing the many ways we can ask, listen, encourage, and check in with our mob,” said Mr Satour. “The most important thing for mob to remember is that you don’t have to be an expert, you just have to be yourself and ask, in your own way, so you look after your mob.

The resources give us the opportunity to get conversations started with individuals, organisations, and communities across Australia,” says Satour. “The stories released today show there are so many ways we can, and already do, have R U OK? conversations.”

The resources will help people feel more confident in having an R U OK? conversation and will serve as a platform to the development of additional tools for communities.

“We’ll also be bringing communities together to translate these resources because we know language is central to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures," said Mr Satour. “Culture is also fundamental for our overall social and emotional wellbeing.”

Reducing deaths by suicide and suicidal behavior among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians is an issue of major concern for many communities and a public health priority.1 “These numbers represent our loved ones; relatives, friends, elders and extended community members who are all affected by the tragedy of these deaths,” said Mr Satour.