Community encouraged to ask, listen and connect at Albany R U OK Day event at Hazbeanz

A simple question could spark an important conversation in Albany this Thursday, with local organisations joining forces to encourage the community to ask, listen and connect.

A range of community organisations will come together at the front of Hazbeanz Finestkind coffee shop from 9am to noon for an R U OK? Day event focused on starting conversations about mental health and wellbeing.

The free community event will feature a range of stalls and activities with people encouraged to drop by, learn more about the support available in the region and take time to connect with others over a coffee.

The event is being held as part of the annual national R U OK? Day which is a day of action dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

Palmerston society prevention coordinator Mehwish Ajaz said the event aimed to bring together members of the community.

“We are having a few stalls, we are having some giveaways and some tea and coffees,” she said.

“People just come and they can talk to us.

“We can ask them how their day has been going and “are you OK”?

“We are having some sort of drumming session as well so people can come in and enjoy the time with us and just walk in and talk to us.”

Ms Ajaz said the event hoped to provide support to people struggling and try to connect them with the right services.

“It’s not something that is compulsory, its a very casual conversation and if you are struggling with anything just tell us and we can connect you with the right support,” she said.

Ms Ajaz stresses the importance of asking the question every day, not just on the national day.

“R U OK? Is something very important,” she said.

“This is something we want to make people aware that we need to ask people daily, on a regular basis to check with someone.

“It may seem very simple to us but it might be having a meaningful impact on someone else’s life who might be happy outside but can be struggling on the inside.

“It’s very important for all of us that we ask people, our friends, our family, our colleagues to see if they are OK . . . they might be happy but they might be struggling.

“The main message is to just ask, listen and connect.”

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