Council is encouraging the Central Coast community to let the people they care about know that you\u2019re \u2018here, to hear them\u2019 ahead of R U OK? Day on Thursday 14 September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nearly half of all Australians are expected to experience some form of mental illness during their lifetime, and the Central Coast has the highest number of deaths to suicide in comparison to other health districts in Australia. R U OK? Day reminds us that every day is the day to ask \u2018are you ok?\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the national suicide prevention initiative is a reminder for everyone to reach out to someone who is struggling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur community has faced many challenges over the past few years, so it\u2019s more important than ever to make sure the people in our lives feel supported and connected,\u201d Ms Smith said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s often our friends, family, work colleagues and others in our local community who can best help us navigate life\u2019s ups and downs. Starting a meaningful conversation is the first step to making a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Central Coast community is a caring and resilient one and this R U OK? Day we are asking Coasties to check in with each other and really listen when asking \u2018are you ok?\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the Central Coast is known for its strong community spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCouncil is committed to strengthening our community and using our voice to help address social and health issues that impact our residents is just one way we can do this,\u201d Mr Hart said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI encourage everyone to check in on the people around them and remember that every day is the day to ask \u2018are you ok?\u2019 and to have these important, meaningful conversations\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earlier this year, Council partnered with Central Coast Surf Life Saving Clubs to upskill young leaders to create ‘safe places’ for starting a conversation about mental health. Some of those volunteers shared their experience and messages for R U OK? Day in a short film<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Central Coast Council has also placed banners on The Entrance and Brian McGowan Bridges to support R U OK? Day and to remind the Coast community to be there for others and, to hear the struggles of those around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information on how you can make a difference, search \u2018R U OK\u2019<\/strong> at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline 13 11 14 or call 000 if a life is in immediate danger.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Council is encouraging the Central Coast community to let the people they care about know that you\u2019re \u2018here, to hear them\u2019 ahead of R U OK? Day on Thursday 14…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5965,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sync_status":"","episode_type":"audio","audio_file":"","castos_file_data":"","podmotor_file_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[109],"tags":[],"series":[170],"class_list":["post-5963","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-events","series-on-the-coast-families"],"episode_featured_image":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/R-U-OK.jpg","episode_player_image":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/wp-content\/plugins\/seriously-simple-podcasting\/assets\/images\/no-album-art.png","download_link":"","player_link":"","audio_player":false,"episode_data":{"playerMode":"dark","subscribeUrls":{"apple_podcasts":{"key":"apple_podcasts","url":"","label":"Apple Podcasts","class":"apple_podcasts","icon":"apple-podcasts.png"},"stitcher":{"key":"stitcher","url":"","label":"Stitcher","class":"stitcher","icon":"stitcher.png"},"google_podcasts":{"key":"google_podcasts","url":"","label":"Google Podcasts","class":"google_podcasts","icon":"google-podcasts.png"},"spotify":{"key":"spotify","url":"","label":"Spotify","class":"spotify","icon":"spotify.png"}},"rssFeedUrl":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/feed\/podcast\/on-the-coast-families","embedCode":"Central Coast’s Call to Action: R U OK? Day – Supporting Our Community’s Mental Wellbeing<\/a><\/blockquote>