That’s a wrap on R U OK? Day

To celebrate and spread awareness around R U OK? Day we held a series of events across the Program and with everyone encouraged to get involved.

In the lead-up to R U OK? Day we broadcast a powerful panel discussion on mental health and the importance of connection, meaningful conversations and checking in with each other. The panel featured a cross-section of Inland Rail team members who shared their personal experiences with mental health and wellbeing.

On the day itself, Inland Rail team members across the Program came together over morning tea to take a break and have a chat over a Kit Kat and a cuppa, with staff in some offices partaking in boardgames and even a quick session of Mario Kart.

Through our partnership with Mates in Construction (MATES), a number of Mental Health First Aiders and Connectors (people trained to help keep someone safe in a crisis) visited several different locations to meet team members and encourage them to take a break and ask ‘are you OK’?.

MATES is a national charity dedicated to providing suicide prevention support across the construction, energy, mining, and related industries. Our partnership with MATES forms part of our Wellbeing Strategy and provides the Inland Rail team with training and skills to provide help for colleagues.

R U OK? Day may be over, but the conversations shouldn’t stop. Recognising the early signs of a teammate struggling and connecting them to additional support could help save their life.

At Inland Rail we aim to make every day R U OK? Day.

Remember, no qualifications are needed to start an ‘are you OK?’ conversation and you don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be a good friend and a great listener.

Check out some of the photos from the day, including a spirited game of Mario Kart.