In the time that it takes to have a coffee, you could start a conversation that could change a life … supporting RU OK Day, from left, Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, mental health professional Mark Duffy, Louise Judge (Centacare), mental health professional Shane Bell, Ron Reynolds (Queensland Police), Kerrie Zeller (Darling Downs South West Queensland Medicare Local) and Nicole Connolly (Stanwell)
Thursday, September 13

August 24, 2012

Residents in the South Burnett are encouraged to stop for a coffee and a chat on Thursday, September 13,  to support the health, safety and well-being of the community.

The South Burnett Suicide Prevention Working Group is promoting RU OK? Day, a national campaign which aims to encourage people to connect with colleagues, friends and loved ones by reaching out to anyone doing it tough and asking “R U OK?”

South Burnett Suicide Prevention Working Group spokesperson Louise Judge said the day was about stopping little problems from turning into big ones by connecting with and supporting anyone you’re concerned about.

On September 13,  everyone is encouraged to participate in the free community breakfast which will be held outside Gloria Jeans at Kingaroy Shoppingworld between 6:00am and 9:00am.

(UPDATE: September 7 – the location for this free community breakfast has been re-located to outside the Nanango Electorate Office, next door to Cartmill Travel, across the road from Shoppingworld)

Guest speakers will address a range of topics relating directly and indirectly to the issue of suicide and the help that is available in the South Burnett.

If this time is a little early for you, organisers have suggested you take a break throughout the day, grab a cup of coffee and make contact with a loved one or a work colleague who may be struggling to offer your support.

Selected coffee shops in the South Burnett will be providing free cups of coffee to support the day.

Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said staying connected with your colleagues, friends and family was as simple as having regular, meaningful conversations.

“It’s the one thing we can all do to make a real difference,” she said.

“There are often times when we feel under pressure but sharing a problem with someone you trust can really help.”

R U OK? Day is being widely supported by community organisations and businesses in the South Burnett, including Centacare, Gloria Jeans, CROW-FM, Stanwell’s Tarong Power Station and Meandu Mine, South Burnett Regional Council, the Queensland Police Service and Darling Downs South West Queensland Medicare Local.

Businesses that would like to get involved can download resources from the RU OK? website