News

Check in on your mates

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 21:42:00

PEOPLE across the Mallee are being encouraged to check in on their mates as the region continues to face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The focus on mental health and wellbeing is part of the Mallee Track Health and Community Service’s R U OK? Week, which is being celebrated across the catchment this week. It is an extension of the annual RUOK? Day, which encourages people to connect with those around them by asking “are you okay?”.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on our staff members, our aged care residents, our volunteers and our communities,” explained MTHCS Chief Executive Officer Lois O’Callaghan.
“The virus has affected everyone in some way and we all need to actively seek ways to connect, and in some cases reconnect, with each other and those who might be struggling with life.”
As part of R U OK? Week, MTHCS has donned the RUOK? colours of black and yellow outside local Neighbourhood Houses and landmarks such as Ouyen Lake, in shop windows and residential aged care facilities. Cupcakes topped with RUOK? flags will also be distributed to MTHCS health care workers this week to recognise their role the region’s COVID-19 response, along with MTHCS residents and consumers.
“We have really strong people in communities across the Mallee, but one of the things that makes our communities so strong is the way we look after each other,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“While health care workers are wonderful at looking after others, sometimes they aren’t good at looking after themselves, so giving our health care workers a cup cake is a little reminder that they are really important to us and we need them to take care.”
Ms O’Callaghan said despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has brought out some examples of how caring communities in the Mallee can be.
“Everybody is grieving or missing something because of the pandemic, but there is also a lot of empathy in our communities,” she said.
“People do care about each other, so this week, please take the time to phone your mates, check in on your family and reach out to those around you. Ask them if they are ok, even if they look ok. It’s a small thing to do that can make a big difference.”
Ms O’Callaghan urged people not to dismiss changes they may have seen in the behaviour of those they are close to.
“If you notice a change in someone don’t brush it aside or avoid the conversation because you aren’t sure what to say. Reaching out early can stop small things from becoming bigger issues,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“You don't need to be an expert to reach out, just a good friend and a great listener.”
For more information on how to keep the conversation going beyond asking “are you okay?”, visit www.ruok.og.au