Supporting our Team – Inside and Out. Ask R U OK? Any Day.

ENM Solutions is proud of our people and the care we have for them – our teams, our clients, our stakeholders and our families – supporting them both inside and out of the workplace is a crucial element to our established culture.

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Every year we have publicly highlighted this with our support of R U OK Day on our channels, and this year we continue that commitment to highlighting self-care and support.

Ask R U OK? Any Day.

This year's theme is "Ask RU OK? Any day," highlighting the importance of building trust and normalising conversations around mental health and well-being by checking in regularly with friends, family, or colleagues. Did you know that 8.85 million Australians spend the majority of their time at work? This makes the workplace one of the most important places for people to connect and learn to recognise if a colleague is struggling. It's not always easy to keep the conversation going when someone says they're not OK, but it could change their life.

The R U OK? Mission encourages you to start a conversation without needing to be an expert. An open mind and genuinely listening to someone who might be struggling can make a world of difference. Starting a conversation about the changes you've noticed could help that family member, friend, or workmate open up. If they say they are not OK, you can follow the R U OK? conversation steps to show them they're supported and help them find strategies to better manage the load. Even if they are OK, that person will know you're someone who cares enough to ask.  

To help you decide whether you’re ready to start a meaningful conversation, ask yourself:

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Before continuing further, please note that we would like to provide a content warning: discussion of suicide.

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Taking Mental Health seriously – make today the day to talk.

Mental health conditions affect millions, often leaving individuals feeling isolated and overwhelmed. The workplace can be a source of both support and stress, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive mental health initiatives. Breaking down stigma and fostering an environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

Employee assistance programs, mental health training for managers, and flexible work arrangements can make a profound difference. Open dialogue about mental health, coupled with a culture of compassion and understanding, can create workplaces where individuals feel valued and supported.

The road to mental well-being is a shared journey. It requires a collective commitment from individuals, communities, workplaces, and government. Unfortunately, despite these programs and resources, suicide remains a leading cause of death in Australia, particularly among young people.This challenge is so impactful that the Victorian Government has just yesterday released it’s 10-year strategy to tackle suicide rates, support those impacted and reduce the stigma that surrounds it.

This year, ENM Solutions was proud to support some of our team members raise funds and awareness through Lifeline Australia’s Out of the Shadow’s Walk – walking 25km together, raising just over $5,000 and sparking numerous conversations in the process. Lifeline Australia is a national charity that provides all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.Their services are confidential and available 24/7 by phone, online chat, and text message. Lifeline also has resources available online such as information,tools, techniques and real stories to help you understand how you're feeling.Lifeline Australia's vision is that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.

If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed or struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can call 13 1114 any day, at any time, to connect with a crisis supporter.

If you do not speak English, you can still access Lifeline crisis support over the phone. Lifeline has access to a free interpreting service through an organisation called TIS National.

If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can talk to a Lifeline Crisis Supporter through the National Relay Service (NRS). The NRS is a phone/internet solution for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. The NRS is an Australian Government Initiative.

We recognise that our impact extends beyond just the work we do in the industry and our day to day, and includes the impact we have on the people that make the teams, businesses, clients and customers we work with and support. Shining a spotlight on important topics such as this represents our commitment to that, highlighting our culture and the value we place on our role as a business. It's about more than just words, it's also about action and commitment to implementing change within our sphere of influence.

Today, tomorrow, any day - ask R U OK?.

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Resources:

https://blogs.griffith.edu.au/library/2021/09/09/are-they-really-ok-ask-them-today/                

https://www.ruok.org.au/

https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/student-life/student-news/2024/08/30/ask-r-u-ok-any-day.html

https://www.lifeline.org.au