‘It takes a real workmate to ask R U OK?’
MTAA Super and R U OK? have developed a set of resources that encourage people in the motor industry to better support each other during life’s tough times.
The new initiative comes as an analysis of insurance death claims by MTAA Super members over a six-year period found that claims relating to suicide made up 13.5 per cent of the total.
The ‘It takes a real workmate to ask R U OK?’ campaign aims to help workmates get past what can feel like an awkward conversation when talking about emotions and life’s challenges. It also hopes to remove the barriers that might stop people from offering or asking for support.
The new resources include a practical guide to asking R U OK? of workmates, designed to help people manage these conversations safely, sensitively and effectively. They also include free downloadable posters and digital assets.
MTAA Super CEO Leeanne Turner said, “We spend a lot of time at work, so workmates are well placed to notice the signs and changes that could indicate someone’s doing it tough. This campaign better equips our members to notice when someone’s struggling and have the confidence to reach out and support them – long before they’re in crisis.”
R U OK? CEO Brendan Maher said, “We believe the resources we have developed with MTAA Super will build an individual’s confidence to have regular conversations about life’s ups and downs.
“We don’t have to be experts to support a workmate who’s struggling. Listening and pointing people toward help-seeking pathways if it’s needed, can make a big difference.”
The joint MTAA Super R U OK? campaign was launched in November 2018. The new online resources (posters, flyers, website) and help-seeking information can be accessed here.