R U OK? is for every day, but knowing what to say next does not always come naturally.
St John NT is helping Territory workplaces build confidence to check in with colleagues through R U OK? at Work – Conversations in Practice, a practical two-hour workshop now available as private training for workplace teams.
The course is now delivered across the Territory and Australia through R U OK?’s new training delivery partner, St John.
Delivered face-to-face, the workshop uses realistic workplace scenarios and interactive activities to help participants practise the four steps of an R U OK? Conversation:
- Ask R U OK?
- Listen
- Encourage Action
- Check In.
St John NT First Aid Trainer Alex Duncan said the workshop focuses on the part people can find most difficult: what happens after they ask the question.
“Asking ‘R U OK?’ can be the easy part. People can get stuck on what to say next, particularly if someone tells them they’re having a hard time,” Alex said.
“The workshop gives participants a chance to work through those situations and practise listening, responding and helping someone consider what support might be useful.
“The aim isn’t to turn people into counsellors. It’s to help them feel better prepared to have a supportive conversation and know where their role starts and finishes.”
St John NT Chief Operating Officer Sam Hinton said the program had the potential to strengthen workplace culture across the Territory.
“Territory workplaces are often close-knit, and people notice when a colleague is not quite themselves,” Sam said.
“Giving teams the confidence to act on that instinct, start a conversation and keep checking in can have a real impact beyond the workplace itself.
“The more comfortable we are having these conversations in everyday settings, the stronger and more connected our workplaces and communities can be.”
Course participants learn how to prepare for an R U OK? Conversation, listen without judgement, encourage further action where needed and continue checking in after the first conversation.
No prior mental health training or background is required, and the workshop focuses on informal peer support rather than counselling or clinical care.
To find out more or enquire about training for your team, visit www.stjohnnt.org.au/MentalHealthFirstAid
