This year has certainly been very different to other years. For the first time in my life I have witnessed the individual state and territory borders close. I have had friends who have been unable to cross these lines to access the services they need or go to their jobs. I have heard of families being separated and farmers unable to check on stock as their properties straddle state lines. I am aware that people in Victoria especially, are extremely restricted with their movements at the moment and businesses all over the country have been affected. Some having to close for a period of time and/or having to pivot. Others sadly, have had to close altogether. This is a challenging time for everyone.

I have also witnessed communities coming together and making sure that people have what they need. I have seen a return to shopping local and business owners adapting to the current conditions and providing an outstanding service to their customers. There have also been new initiatives to support micro and small businesses throughout this time.

But even with all of those things, days like today we highlight the need to ask R U Ok? A reminder to check in with friends and family to see how they are really going (even if they look like they have it all together). But there is also more to say after asking R U Ok? Below is an example of how to approach the conversation.

The R U Ok website has some really great resources if you would like more information or different conversation starters.

I would encourage you to reach out to someone today and check in with them. If you need someone to listen to you, please get in touch. I’ll be happy to listen.