On Thursday 15th September 2011 Australians were encouraged to ask friends, family, work colleagues, even complete strangers the question, Are you OK?
“ R U OK? Day is a national day of action which aims to prevent suicide(Lifeline) by encouraging Australians to connect with someone they care about and help stop little problems turning into big ones.
Staying connected with others is crucial to our general health and wellbeing. Feeling isolated or hopeless can contribute to depression and other mental illnesses, which can ultimately result in suicide(Lifeline). Regular, meaningful conversations can protect those we know and love.
It's so simple. In the time it takes to have a coffee, you can start a conversation that could change a life.”
There have been several articles written recently on the health benefits of volunteering. The social interaction between people, the care and compassion towards others and the connectedness to a community are all benefits which can be gained from volunteering.
In recent years volunteering has evolved and even people who are time poor now have opportunities to volunteer online. This type of volunteering is known as micro volunteering. Even though volunteering has evolved with the advent of technology there is no substitute for a kind word, a gentle touch, a listening ear and a caring heart.
Please don’t let our fascination for technology take us away from basic human compassion and caring for each other.
R U OK? Day
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