Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, is urging residents to touch base with their loved ones in support of R U OK? Day this Thursday.

R U OK? Day inspires and empowers everyone to have meaningful conversations with those in their world who may be struggling with life.

Cr Fedeli said it was important for residents to reach out to family and friends, particularly while living through a worldwide pandemic.

“Connecting with those around us by asking this simple question can make a significant impact on someone’s mental health. It might be all they need to open up and speak about how they are feeling,” Cr Fedeli said.

“We are living through one of the most challenging times in many of our lives and it’s so important that we start to look at the positives in our lives, and helping one another is a fantastic start.

“All it takes is starting a quick conversation to check in with your loved one to allow them to know that they have a sounding board available to them.”

Mental health and wellbeing continues to be a key focus for Camden Council. Council has 22 waste trucks as part of its fleet and each of them have been wrapped with messages to raise awareness of important mental and physical health issues relevant to residents across the Camden area. Four of these are R U OK? messages to raise awareness around suicide prevention.

Residents can celebrate R U OK? Day from home, by:

• Making an R U OK? Day poster and putting it up in their front window;
• Interview a loved one about R U OK? Day and post it on social media;
• Learn some breathing exercises to help you relax;
• Do some yoga at home with the family;
• Create a space just for you at home; and
• Make a care package for someone in your neighbourhood and leave it on their doorstep.

Council’s downloadable ‘Hey Neighbour’ cards are still available for residents to offer their help and support to their neighbours. The cards include a message with space for your details on the back.

For more information on Council’s ‘Hey Neighbour’ initiative, go to camden.nsw.gov.au and search ‘Hey Neighbour’.