R U OK? Day on Thursday 9 September couldn’t arrive at a better time.

While the question R U OK? is increasingly becoming part of our daily conversations at Linfox, this national day of action provides an opportunity to encourage team mates to share the real impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their home and work lives.

In partnership with the Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds Foundation (HHTS), Linfox is a strong advocate for R U OK? Day as we join forces as an industry to empower operators in the road transport, warehousing and logistics industries to connect and support each other.

This year’s key message is ‘Are they really OK? Ask them today.’

“Given the extreme challenges the industry has faced over the last eighteen months, it’s likely that we all may know someone who might be struggling,” said CEO of HHTS, Naomi Frauenfelder.

“Knowing how to ask someone how they are really going and being able to provide genuine support could make a huge difference in someone’s life.”

“If you notice a change in a colleague, ask them how they’re travelling and be prepared to listen with an open mind,” she said.

At Linfox, team members will mark the day with a company-wide virtual catch-up hosted by Linfox’s Healthy Fox team. Team members from across Australia and New Zealand will join the conversation.

“As we navigate our way through lockdowns and restrictions, it is an important time for everyone to check in with family, friends and work mates to see how they are really going,” said Linfox Health and Wellbeing Manager, Marian Merrigan.

“Life’s ups and downs occur to many of us, and we are impacted by them in different ways. You can make a difference by making the time to check in and ask people ‘Are they really OK?’ Ask them today.”

R U OK? contributes to suicide prevention efforts by encouraging people to invest more time in their personal relationships and be alert to those around them to help connect others to appropriate support long before they’re in crisis.

Visit www.ruok.org.au for free tools and resources that help build confidence to recognise the signs someone is struggling, start a genuine conversation and lend appropriate support.