On 12 September 2024, Barunga Village commemorated R U OK? Day across the organisation, highlighting the responsibility that we all have to look out for each other, and reduce the stigma around struggling with your mental health. R U OK? Day is a great reminder that talking about mental health is important, not just on 12 September, but every day of the year. The campaign provided invaluable information and support to help people in how to have the conversation:
- Ask R U OK?
- Listen without judgement,
- Encourage action, and
- Follow up.
Recognition of this day aligns with the other efforts that Barunga Village is implementing to ensure that team members, and those who are connected with the organisation have access to a safe environment in which mental health is not shamed, and where there are people willing and able to talk about mental ill-health.
Melanie Carroll, Stay at Home Program Manager and Mental Health First Aid trainer expressed delight at the opportunity to provide training to Barunga Village staff.
“To date, two rounds of staff have been trained, with plans to continue this effort over the next couple of years” Melanie said.
“With just over 3,000 Mental Health First Aid trainers in Australia, access to this training is often limited for regional Australians. Barunga Village has prioritised the implementation of this course for staff, covering the costs for all participants.”
The approach began by prioritising managers for training to ensure that all staff across the organisation have access to a trained person capable of supporting those who may be struggling with their mental health. This training will eventually expand to include other staff and volunteers as well.
Research shows that this training significantly reduces stigma and shame surrounding mental illness and promotes help-seeking behaviour while also increasing awareness of how to support oneself and others, as well as available resources.
Given that mental illness will impact one in two people over their lifetimes, it is vital to equip the community to recognise and respond to instances of mental ill-health. Mental Health First Aid, first created in Australia, has since been adapted and adopted in multiple countries worldwide. It was recently discovered that Michelle Obama has completed Mental Health First Aid training. This program teaches individuals how to recognise and support someone in accessing professional help, benefiting both their professional and personal lives. Topics covered include depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and psychosis, aiming to increase general awareness of these disorders, their prevalence, and specific support resources available.
Recent changes to Australian Work Health and Safety laws now require workplaces to manage psychosocial hazards. The implementation of Mental Health First Aid at Barunga Village, along with a concerted effort to acknowledge and promote the principles of R U OK? Day, are effective measures to manage these psychosocial risks.
In other progressive moves towards prioritising mental health, Barunga Village has implemented several initiatives aimed at fostering a supportive environment. One standout feature is the monthly Compliment Tree, where individuals—whether staff, volunteers or consumers are encouraged to share positive affirmations about one another. This practice not only uplifts spirits but also cultivates a culture of appreciation and respect. 
Additionally, Gloria’s Coffee Shop, located in Barunga Homes offers a safe and welcoming space designed to promote positive relationships between the local community and its staff, volunteers and consumers alike. This communal hub serves as a gathering point, encouraging open conversations and connections among all members of the community. By providing such an inviting atmosphere, Barunga Village reinforces its commitment to mental wellbeing, ensuring that everyone feels valued and heard.
Together, these initiatives underpin the organisations dedication to creating a nurturing environment where mental health is recognised as a priority, contributing to a more engaged and resilient community.
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