Who will you ask - R U OK?

CFA people are encouraged to communicate the R U OK Day message, wellbeing supports and generally check in on one another. 

CFA is offering financial support (up to $100) and resources to CFA teams, brigades, offices or stations to host an R U OK Day event. 

You'll need to register your event to get it approved for funding, so contact Naomi from Organisational Wellbeing at n.engelke@cfa.vic.gov.au to get started. 

By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. 

If they say they are not ok, you can follow the conversation steps at ruok.org.au to show them they’re supported and help them find strategies to better manage the load. If they are ok, that person will know you’re someone who cares enough to ask.

Did you know:

•   Approximately two-thirds of people (63%) are not confident they know the signs that someone might be struggling with life

•   41% hadn’t asked someone if they were OK because they weren’t sure they knew the signs

•   With nearly 1 in 2 (49%) believing they’d be more confident starting a conversation if they knew the signs, there is hope.

CFA Wellbeing Support Line

If you are not okay, or if you notice a change in someone you know, contact the CFA Wellbeing Support Line on 1800 959 232 to access free, confidential support that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Wellbeing services are available to all CFA volunteers, employees and their immediate family members. 

The support services include the Member Assistance Program with Psychologists and Counsellors, Traditional and Career Firefighter Peer Support Programs, Chaplaincy Program, Bullying and Harassment Hotline, Let Me Know web-based app, Centres Against Sexual Assault as well as other services provided by the Organisational Wellbeing team. 

To view the complete range of services, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/wellbeing.