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.

This Thursday 10 September, we will again be supporting R U OK? Day.

This annual day of action encourages us to have genuine conversations about mental health and make a real difference in someone’s life. Often, the people we care about may not openly express their struggles, but small signs of change in their behaviour can indicate they’re not OK. If you suspect someone is struggling, initiating a conversation can be a vital first step.

Here’s some resources from R U OK? Day so you’re prepared to have mental health conversations:

• Conversation Guide
• Conversation Guide: LGBTQIA+
• Conversation Guide: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
• Tips to support neurodivergent people
• Resources to help young people support each other
• Signs that someone is struggling
• Support services
• What to do if you think someone is at risk of suicide
• Building an R U OK? culture in sporting environments

Today marks the beginning of Women’s Health Week, and this year’s theme is ‘Do it anyway’.

At St Mary’s, we’re proud to have women and girls of all ages pulling on the boots, taking the court, coaching, volunteering and contributing to our club.

Being part of sport can bring so much to our health and wellbeing — but looking after yourself also means knowing when to rest, when to speak up and when to ask for support.

‘Do it anyway’ isn’t about pushing through pain or pressure. It’s about taking small steps for your health, on your terms.

Book the appointment. Ask another question. Take the rest day. Check in with a teammate. Make time for yourself. Reach out when something doesn’t feel right.

This Women’s Health Week, we encourage all the women and girls in our Burra community to give themselves permission to prioritise their health.

Because looking after yourself matters, on and off the field and court.