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Take the time to ask: R U OK? Wednesday, September 2nd, 2015 The City of Sydney’s community centres are hosting a range of activities on September 10 to remind people their mental wellbeing is just as important as their physical health. Enjoy a free afternoon tea, see a film made by local young people or phone a friend to ask them, ‘R U OK?’ at events being held on the day across the city. RU OK? Day – two young women in Newtown Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City was proud to support the annual day, which encourages people to connect with friends, family and colleagues to make sure they are happy and safe. “Sometimes all it takes to lift someone’s mood is a phone call or conversation with a friend, family member or colleague. This simple act can really boost people’s general wellbeing,” the Lord Mayor said. “Wherever you are on 10 September, be it school, work or home, why not get in touch with someone close to you and ask how they are and if they need any support.” RU OK? Day – Two people and their puppies in Green Square The City’s range of activities to support R U OK? Day include a screening of a short film, Attitude Adjustment, which was made by eight young people, aged 14 to 21, with the assistance of four adult members of the Cliff Noble Activity Centre in Alexandria. The six-minute film, made over nine weeks this year, confronts the issue of bullying among young people and its negative impact on their mental health. The City is also hosting a free afternoon tea in Millers Point and a sausage sizzle in Ultimo. Or people can join in a free basketball session at Peter Forsyth Auditorium in Glebe, which will not only improve physical health, but mental health, too. R U OK? is a not-for-profit organisation founded by Gavin Larkin in 2009, whose vision is a world where everyone is well connected and protected from suicide and self-harm. Their mission is to encourage and equip everyone to regularly and meaningfully ask those close to them, “are you OK?”. Thursday 10 September, 2pm-4pm RU OK? Day afternoon tea Harry Jensen Centre, 17 Argyle Street, Millers Point Participate in a meditation workshop, a free hearing test or attend a talk on ‘The importance of valuing our stories’. Free afternoon tea will be available. Thursday 10 September, 10am–midday R U OK? Day sausage sizzle Ultimo Community Centre, 40 William Henry Street, Ultimo Enjoy a free sausage sizzle, help make the biggest chalk-smiley face in the city or take part in a free laughter workshop. Friday 11 September, 3pm–4pm and Wednesday 7 October, 11am-midday| R U OK? Day afternoon tea Cliff Noble Centre, 24 Suttor Street, Alexandria Watch a screening of a short anti-bullying film produced by local young people then enjoy a free afternoon tea while listening to the story behind the making of the film. Friday 11 September, 3–6pm R U OK? Day basketball Peter Forsyth Auditorium, Glebe The auditorium’s regular free Friday basketball session will also encourage young people to write a positive ‘text message’ to their friends on a giant cardboard mobile phone and to discuss the importance of checking in on people, looking after each other and positive mental health. http://www.sydneymedia.com.au/ta ... r-u-ok/#prettyPhoto |
