Today, Thursday 10 September, is R U OK? Day, an important reminder of the difference a genuine conversation can make.
At St Mary’s, being part of a club is about more than what happens on the football field or netball court. It’s about community, connection and looking out for one another.
This year’s message is a simple but important one: If you’re thinking it, ask R U OK? Any Day.
Research from R U OK? shows that many of us underestimate the impact checking in can have. Nine in ten people who have been asked “Are you OK?” say they felt grateful, cared about and supported, yet one in four people might still hesitate to ask when they think someone is struggling.
You don’t need to be an expert, and you don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is showing genuine care, listening without judgement and being willing to continue the conversation.
While R U OK? Day gives us an important opportunity to put these conversations front of mind, life’s ups and downs happen every day.
So today, we encourage everyone across the St Mary’s community to think about the people around them. If you’ve noticed someone hasn’t quite seemed themselves, or you simply have a feeling that something might be going on, trust your instinct and reach out.
Check in with a teammate after training. Send a message to a mate you haven’t heard from in a while. Ask a fellow volunteer how they’re going. Make time to really listen when someone tells you how they’re feeling.
And importantly, keep checking in after today.
At St Mary’s, we look after each other on the field, off the field, and every day in between.
SMFNC 