MDHS to host R U OK? Day event

The health promotion campaign, R U OK? Day on 12 September is a national day of action, reminding us to connect with people and support those who may be struggling with life.

There are over 3000 suicide deaths in Australia each year. As a suicide prevention advocate, R U OK? aims to encourage and empower everyone to ask 'are you ok?' and have regular and meaningful conversations about life.

As part of the ongoing commitment of embedding our values and investing in the health and well-being of our people, the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences will host a faculty R U OK? event, Wellness at Work: panel discussion and wellness market on Thursday 12 September.

No matter where we work in MDHS we can all play a role in checking in with each other. Asking ‘are you OK?’ is a great first step but what happens next? One of the benefits of working in Australia’s leading health and medical faculty is that we get to hear directly from experts who can help us with these tricky questions.

Panel discussion

Dr Abi Booker, Lecturer at the School of Psychological Sciences, will lead the panel discussion on how we can better look after ourselves and each other in the workplace. Joining the conversation will be Dr Simon Rice, Orygen's lead in young men's mental health research, Professor Jane Gunn, General Practitioner and Deputy Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and Daniel Persaud, Deputy Head at International House, former Director of Wellbeing at the University of Melbourne.

Lunch and wellness market

Following the discussion, please join us for a light-lunch and explore our wellness market connecting you with support services available along with a showcase of well-being activities and ideas for the workplace and home.

Wayapa Workshop

Limited places to participate in a 30min Wayapa Workshop are available. Wayapa is an Aboriginal Wellness and Connection practice based on ancient Aboriginal knowledge and concepts that have been developed for modern-day context. The practice of Wayapa combines earth mindfulness and narrative meditation and movement to teach participants the importance of connecting into the earth and nature for holistic wellness.

Note: Wayapa Workshops commence at 1.30pm and 2.00pm and places are limited so be quick to register your attendance

Please show your support by attending our wellness event and encourage team members and colleagues to do the same. We can all create a culture where people feel confident asking and answering R U OK?

EVENT DETAILS:

Thursday 12 September, 12:30pm–2:30pm

Woodward Conference Centre, Level 10, Melbourne Law School

RSVP by Friday 6 September

Register now

If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS).