CHECK-IN LESSONS - R U OK? DAY

MONDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER

Students to complete Wellness Survey during Monday's Check-in lesson

THIS YEAR THE MESSAGE IS: Are they really OK? Ask them today.

Do you know how the people in your world are really going?


Life's ups and downs happen to all of us. So chances are someone you know might be struggling. Your genuine support can make a difference whatever they are facing, big or small.


So, don’t wait until someone’s visibly distressed or in crisis.

Make a moment meaningful and ask them how they’re really going.


Are they really OK? Ask them today. Your conversation could change a life.


R U OK? Day is held on Thursday 9 September, is our national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” and support those struggling with life's ups and downs.

R U OK? POWERPOINT PRESENTATION


This presentation can be utilised by anyone who wants to introduce secondary school students to R U OK?. It takes students through the signs that someone might be struggling and the four steps of an R U OK? conversation.


The presentation includes presenter scripts and suggested audience questions in the speaking notes, as well as some editable sections to allow for local support services to be promoted with students


R U OK DAY? PRESENTATION

R U OK? DAY VIDEO

FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

HOW TO HAVE AN R U OK? DAY CONVERSATION

R U OK? has developed our four conversation steps to give you, no matter how young you are, the skills and confidence to navigate a conversation with someone you're worried about:

REACH OUT TO A FRIEND OR A COLLEAGUE - AND ASK R U OK?


Students learn about listening with an open mind and offering suggestions to encourage a conversation now or later.

“I’m here to listen if you want to talk more” is a good start.


Check-in teachers to discuss with students the importance of reaching out for support,

Tips on how to ask, R U OK? and present 'How to.." videos - see below

If you know someone who is struggling and needs support, reach out to your Year Adviser today.


If you are struggling and need support, please reach out and complete the

HHS Wellbeing Referral Form

TIPS ON HOW TO ASK

1. ASK R U OK?

  • Be relaxed, friendly and concerned in your approach.

  • Help them open up by asking questions like "How are you going?" or "What’s been happening?"

  • Mention specific things that have made you concerned for them, like "You seem less chatty than usual. How are you going?"


IF


  • If they don’t want to talk, don’t criticise them.

  • Tell them you’re still concerned about changes in their behaviour and you care about them.

  • Avoid a confrontation.

  • You could say: “Please call me if you ever want to chat” or “Is there someone else you’d rather talk to?”

2. LISTEN WITH AN OPEN MIND

  • Take what they say seriously and don't interrupt or rush the conversation.

  • Don’t judge their experiences or reactions but acknowledge that things seem tough for them.

  • If they need time to think, sit patiently with the silence.

  • Encourage them to explain: "How are you feeling about that?" or "How long have you felt that way?"

  • Show that you've listened by repeating back what you’ve heard (in your own words) and ask if you have understood them properly.

3. ENCOURAGE ACTION

  • Ask: “What have you done in the past to manage similar situations?”

  • Ask: “How would you like me to support you?"

  • Ask: “What’s something you can do for yourself right now? Something that’s enjoyable or relaxing?”

  • You could say: "When I was going through a difficult time, I tried this... You might find it useful too."

  • If they've been feeling really down for more than 2 weeks, encourage them to see a health professional. You could say, "It might be useful to link in with someone who can support you. I'm happy to assist you to find the right person to talk to.”

  • Be positive about the role of professionals in getting through tough times.

IF THEY NEED EXPERT HELP


Some conversations are too big for family and friends to take on alone. If someone’s been really low for more than 2 weeks - or is at risk - please contact a professional as soon as you can.

4. CHECK IN

  • Pop a reminder in your diary to call them in a couple of weeks. If they're really struggling, follow up with them sooner.

  • You could say: "I've been thinking of you and wanted to know how you've been going since we last chatted."

  • Ask if they've found a better way to manage the situation. If they haven't done anything, don't judge them. They might just need someone to listen to them for the moment.

  • Stay in touch and be there for them. Genuine care and concern can make a real difference.

HOW TO ASK A SCHOOLMATE

R U OK?

Toby hasn't seemed himself lately and his mate Ella is worried about him. In this video we learn what signs Ella noticed and the steps she followed when asking, "Are you OK?"

HOW TO BE A GOOD FRIEND AND ASK

R U OK?

While children can't be expected to fix someone’s problems, they can be encouraged to listen to what their friend is saying, show they care and tell a teacher, school counsellor or trusted adult if they are worried about their friend. This video shows them how to do that.

HOW TO BE A GOOD MATE

Alec and Jenny are mates but Alec has noticed that lately Jenny doesn't seem her usual self. In this video, we learn how he can be a good friend by talking to Jenny about what might be troubling her.

THURSDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER

OFFICIAL DAY - R U OK? DAY

WEAR AN ITEM OF YELLOW CLOTHING

Students are taught skills on encouraging action.

This includes suggesting helpful initiatives a person could take, such as speaking to a health professional, or asking them to consider a positive step that might help begin a healing process.


Check-in teachers deliver the Counsellor presentation and discuss how to reach out for support - see below links:

COUNSELLOR

PRESENTATION

R U OK? DAY

ZOOM THEME BACKGROUNDS

REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT - FIND HELP

R U OK? DAY 2022 VIRTUAL EVENT

Tune in to our nationwide virtual event on Thursday 8 September at

12:00–12:30pm (AEST).

We’ll be joined by a number of special guests who will help us share conversation tips and personal stories.

If you're planning your own event, don't forget to register it with us here.

This event will be accessible for those who experience hearing difficulties.

Thanks for supporting R U OK? and the people in your world.

SIGN UP


ONLINE GAMES

  • ACTION FOR HAPPINESS (movement focused on building a happier and more caring society) have created 'action calendars' for each month (for example - mindful May, active April, etc.) https://www.actionforhappiness.org/calendars

  • PLAY CHESS or challenge your Check-in teacher online https://www.chess.com/

  • FREERICE is an educational trivia game that helps you get smarter while making a difference for people around the world. Every question you answer correctly in the game triggers a financial payment to the World Food Programme (WFP) to support its work saving and changing lives around the world https://freerice.com/

  • Skribbl.io - How to Play : When its your turn to draw, you will have to choose a word from three options and visualize that word in 80 seconds, alternatively when somebody else is drawing you have to type your guess into the chat to gain points, be quick, the earlier you guess a word the more points you get! https://skribbl.io/


R U OK? DAY

Send a positive gratitude postcard or email to a classmate or a teacher.

Students can send a positive postcard to a classmate or to a teacher, to let them know how grateful they are for their support during this time.


GRATITUDE ELECTRONIC CARD

OR SEND A: R U OK? DAY CONNECTION CARD

R U OK? DAY WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

HOLROYD HIGH SCHOOL


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