On 10 September, remember to ask "R U OK?"

R U OK? Day reminds us of the need to stay connected and to support each other through these trying times. 

This year, when our social connections have been strained and our economic and working lives have been turned upside down by the turmoil of a global pandemic, it is more important than ever to remember to support each other and maintain our connections. 

UNSW usually marks the occasion of R U OK? Day with a range of events on campus. This year, for the first time, we are taking R U OK? Day into the virtual world.  

Virtual town hall 

At 10am on Thursday 10 September, UNSW Wellbeing will present a virtual town hall for all staff via Teams Live, hosted by UNSW Disability Champion, Dr Alanya Drummond. The town hall will feature a talk and Q&A from R U OK? Community Ambassador Lillian Davidson, who will speak about her own experience with mental illness and recovery, and how to have an R U OK? conversation with someone who might be struggling. 

After Ms Davidson’s talk, Benestar will present a briefing on the services available to all staff (and their immediate family members) as part of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

Despite the UNSW community being spread out and physically distant from one another, our connections now are more significant than ever. 

Please come along to this important event to learn more about how to look out for each other and to have your questions answered. Registration is essential – click here to register. 

Virtual Gratitude Tree 

In addition to the virtual town hall, the usual Gratitude Tree will be going virtual too – because sometimes it is easy to forget the good things we already have in our lives, and how lucky we are to have them. Click here to access the Virtual Gratitude Tree and place a sticky note showing what you’re grateful for this R U OK? Day. (If you haven’t used Miro before it will ask you to create an account – but don’t worry, it’s free!) 

Backgrounds for virtual meetings 

In the lead up to R U OK? Day, you can also show that you’re there for your friends and colleagues to have a conversation by changing your background in Teams and Zoom meetings. Click here for R U OK? resources you can use for your virtual backgrounds. 

Virtual town hall schedule 

• Host: Dr Alanya Drummond, UNSW Disability Champion 
• Guest: Lillian Davidson, R U OK? Community Ambassador 
• Guest: Meredith McInnes, Benestar Senior Customer Relationship Manager 
• 10am-11am – Introduction by Dr Drummond and presentation by Ms Davidson 
• Q&A moderated by Dr Drummond 
• 11am-11.30am – Benestar briefing by Meredith McInnes 
• Q&A moderated by Dr Drummond