R U OK? is helping workers build the confidence and skills needed to support colleagues through R U OK? at Work – Conversations in Practice, a new practical workshop delivered nationally through training delivery partner St John Ambulance Australia.
The two-hour, face-to-face workshop is designed to strengthen workplace peer support by helping participants recognise when a colleague may be struggling and develop greater confidence in having an R U OK? Conversation.
Built around realistic workplace scenarios and interactive activities, participants practise using the 4 Steps of an R U OK? Conversation: Ask R U OK?, Listen, Encourage Action and Check In. The hands-on format helps participants apply these skills in everyday workplace situations and feel better equipped to offer informal support when a colleague may be going through a tough time.
R U OK? CEO Lachlan Searle said many organisations are looking for practical ways to help their people move beyond awareness and build confidence in supporting one another.
“Many people want to support a colleague who may be going through a tough time, but they’re not always confident about how to start the conversation or where it might lead.
“R U OK? at Work – Conversations in Practice gives people the opportunity to explore what these conversations can look like in real life. Through practical activities and realistic scenarios, participants can build the skills and confidence to recognise when a colleague may be struggling, reach out and offer support.
“We’re pleased to be working with St John Ambulance Australia to make this workshop available to organisations across the country,” said Mr Searle. “As the trusted delivery partner, St John brings extensive training expertise and national reach to deliver the workshop on behalf of R U OK?.”
The workshop builds on existing R U OK? workplace resources and tools, giving workers the opportunity to put the 4 Steps of an R U OK? Conversation into practice in a supported learning environment and strengthen their ability to provide informal peer support at work.
“For more than a century, St John Ambulance Australia has supported communities across Australia with the skills and knowledge that help people support those around them,” said Brendan Maher, St John Ambulance Australia CEO. “We’re proud to bring that experience to the delivery of R U OK? at Work – Conversations in Practice.
“The workshop encourages active participation and gives people the opportunity to explore how they might respond when a colleague opens up, including how to listen, stay connected, and encourage further support where needed. Traditional first aid focuses on how to support someone’s physical health, but learning the skills and strategies to support someone’s mental health is just as important.”
Ready to put R U OK? Conversations into practice in your workplace? Find out more and enquire at: R U OK? at Work: Conversations in Practice | Group Training Course
About R U OK?
R U OK? is a suicide prevention charity and registered public health promotion that aims to inspire and empower people to meaningfully connect with friends, family and colleagues who might be struggling with life. Throughout the year, R U OK? provides practical tools and resources to help Australians recognise when someone might be struggling, start a meaningful conversation and lend appropriate support.
About St John Ambulance Australia
St John Ambulance Australia is a national for-purpose organisation providing high-quality first aid, health and medical, and community wellbeing services, programs and products Australia-wide. With more than 140 years of experience in Australia and a national network of over 18,000 dedicated staff, volunteers and members, St John is consistently recognised as one of Australia’s most trusted and reputable charities.
