R U OK? Day is a yearly reminder that every day is a good day to take the time to check-in on each other. This year’s theme was ‘Here to hear’ and looked at how we can be there for each other and create space to ask questions and actively listen to our colleagues.

Throughout RBWH there were a number of initiatives on Thursday, 14 September to encourage staff to come together and begin conversations about mental health.

The Centre for Medical Officers Recruitment and Education (CMORE) hosted a morning tea, which featured presentations, an information stall, and Tina, the support dog from Pat Dogs Australia.

Surgical and Perioperative Services held a bake-off. Louise Oriti, Executive Director; Sarah Black, Deputy Executive Director; and Michael Handy, Assistant Nursing Director Trauma Services judged the competition and ultimately awarded a lemon meringue cupcake with Swiss meringue butter cream icing the winner.

Peer Responders and Staff Council setup a stall next to the food trucks, where they had meaningful conversations and gave out information materials and some R U OK? Day merchandise.

Resources that support good mental health are available, including the RBWH Peer Responders, Metro North Staff Psychology Service and the Employee Assistance Program Benestar. Your family can also receive free counselling services through Benestar.