The campaign focuses on real experiences and the positive impact that sharing them has.
R U OK? is targeting Australia’s high rate of suicide in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The Stronger Together campaign, created by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisory group and 33 Creative, an Aboriginal-owned and managed agency, encourages conversation around the issue.
Suicide is one of the most common causes of death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with a 2016 report showing that on average, more than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people end their lives through suicide each year. That’s twice the rate compared to other Australians.
The work includes Indigenous Australian advocates and role models talking about their experience, including former NRL player, boxer and Wiradjuri man Joe Williams.
Dr Vanessa Lee, who chairs R U OK?’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisory group, says the campaign comes at a critical time.
“As a community, we are Stronger Together. Knowledge is culture, and emotional wellness can be learned from family members such as mothers and grandmothers,” Lee says.
“These new resources from R U OK? will empower family members, and the wider community, with the tools to look out for each other as well as providing guidance on what to do if someone answers ‘No, I’m not OK’.”
If you or someone you know needs support, go to: ruok.org.au/findhelp
