“R U OK?Day gave us a good opportunity for staff to get together and ask each other if we’re okay and to check in with our residents to see if they’re okay,” she said.
“It’s a tough time for everyone through COVID and the healthcare system and so forth, so we took the opportunity to be able to thank our staff and do something special for them as well.”
Ms Filippe said chief executive Denise Hooper addressed village residents at morning tea, asking if they were okay and letting them know staff were there for them.
Staff members enjoyed a barbecue lunch ‘and lots of laughter’ to mark the occasion.
“We rearranged our staffing for the day so they could come out and have a half-hour break, enjoy a special barbecue and maybe have a talk to someone they haven’t spoken to before,” Ms Filippe said.
“We thought they could ask the question, ‘R U OK?’ and get to know each other a little better.
“It was a good opportunity to have a break from our normal working life and chat to each other.”
Ms Filippe said the village offered an employee assistance program to staff and their families. “It’s free for them to use, to ring up and ask for assistance for anything,” she said.
“Everyone goes through their own demons. It’s nice to know you’ve got support from colleagues, workmates and family.”
This year, R U OK?Day leaders encouraged people to learn what to say after R U OK?
Their advice is, ‘If someone says they are not okay, make time to listen, encourage action and check in. That conversation could change, or even save, their life’. People can visit ruok.org.au for information.
– Sarah Matthews
• If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, MensLine on 1300 789 978, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 651 251. In an emergency, call triple zero.
The entire September 16, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
