Rural and Remote Mental Health (RRMH) have teamed-up with R U OK? with the aim to bring further awareness to the mental health challenges facing all Australians living and working throughout rural and remote regions.
RRMH has been sponsored by internationally renowned underground mining specialists Brynecut Australia and their contribution of a jointly branded 4WD vehicle has enabled RRMH to join the R U OK? ConvoConvoy which is encouraging people to ask the question and know how to answer it.
“In joining R U OK? ConvoConvoy on this incredible 14000 kilometre trek, we have an incredible opportunity to raise awareness and enable everyone we meet to recognise the signs of mental illness and suicide in themselves, their families and friends,” Dr Jennifer Bowers – CEO – Rural and Remote Mental Health (RRMH) said.
RRMH prevention programs have a strong synergy with the RUOK? campaign. “It’s a perfect fit for us as we’d like to enable everyone to have the knowledge to support someone who answers ‘No’,” Dr Bowers added.
“At RRMH, we work with communities and work sites to embed, Resource Minds, Deadly Thinking and Rural Minds, our evidence-based programs locally to ensure they are sustainable for the long term.
“There is a way to go in having those tough conversations around recognising the signs of mental illness and suicide. Through our programs delivered on the ground in these communities and work places, we work to break down stigma, improve knowledge through culturally specific information about social and emotional wellbeing and suicide, provide local pathways to help and encourage everyone to keep an eye on themselves, their family and their friends,” Dr Bowers added.
“Each of our programs is centred on a clear message: talk to someone and seek help early.
“Resource Minds, Deadly Thinking and Rural Minds takes that next step by delivering resources and tools that break down resistance to addressing the problems that come with mental health and wellbeing as well as changing attitudes over the long term. We know this from the research and evaluations from the programs we deliver,” Dr Bowers added.
