The past 12-months have taken a toll on first responders with drought, bushfires, flooding and COVID-19 impacting the mental health of our local heroes.
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In the lead up to R U OK? Day on September 10, Mission Australia checked in with emergency services in Goulburn.
The organisation held a morning tea for first responders on September 8 at the Goulburn Police Station.
Delicious coffee from Jim's Bean Machine and special R U OK? branded Kit Kats helped officers from the Hume Police District ask each other the all important question.
A survey conducted by Beyond Blue in 2018 found police and emergency services personnel reported suicidal thoughts more than twice as often as adults in the general population.
Mission Australia area manager Daniel Strickland helped organise the event.
He said the morning tea was an opportunity to check in with police and emergency services.
"This year has been tough with bushfires, COVID-19 and some of the stuff that's been happening globally," Mr Strickland said.
"We are here to support [emergency services personnel]."
He said the campaign helped make people comfortable with having difficult conversations.
Mr Strickland stressed people had to be prepared for "what the answer might be" and how to get help.
The R U OK? organisation encouraged following these four steps:
- Ask "are you okay?"
- Listen
- Encourage action
- Check in
The team from Mission Australia, mayor Bob Kirk and state MP Wendy Tuckerman were present to show their support. Goulburn Fire and Rescue and RFS were not able to attend.
The national day, held annually on September 10, is dedicated to inspiring, empowering and reminding everyone to check in and connect with people around them by asking the simple question "Are you OK?"
According to Lifeline more than 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt each year. In 2018, 3046 Australians took their own life. Approximately 75 per cent of people who take their own life are male.
Need a bit of extra help? Call these numbers:
- Lifeline (24/7) 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service (24/7) 1300 659 467
- Kids Helpline (24/7) 1800 551 800
- Beyond Blue (24/7) 1300 224 636
- Headspace (for 12 to 25 year olds) 1800 650 890
- QLife 1800 184 527
- Mensline 1300 789 978