Toolkit - Join the Conversation Movement N - TrackSAFE Foundation

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Toolkit - Join the Conversation Movement N - TrackSAFE Foundation
Join the Conversation Movement
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12 April 2018
Rail R U OK?Day
Toolkit - Join the Conversation Movement N - TrackSAFE Foundation
About this toolkit

This toolkit will help you organise an effective (and fun)
Rail R U OK?Day campaign within your organisation.

Copies of this toolkit can also be downloaded at
http://tracksafefoundation.com.au/rail-ruok-day

Content included on the following pages:

1. About TrackSAFE and Rail R U OK?Day                       Page 2

2. Event checklist: 3 things every event needs               Page 3

3. Event planner: The cheat sheet of champions               Page 4

4. Communications approach                                   Page 5

5. Suggested wording for e-mails and social media            Page 8

6. Event ideas and collateral                                Page 10

7. How to keep the message alive                             Page 12

                                                                       1
Toolkit - Join the Conversation Movement N - TrackSAFE Foundation
About TrackSAFE
and Rail R U OK?Day

TrackSAFE is a registered Harm Prevention Charity that        Encouraging these conversations between staff has the
strives to reduce suicide, trespass, and level crossing       power to help transform our railway workplaces into strong
incidents on the rail network.                                and resilient communities, while decreasing the potential
                                                              for self-harm among those who witness tragic events on
R U OK? is a national, independent, not-for-profit            the network, such as suicides.
organisation dedicated to inspiring and empowering
everyone to meaningfully connect and ask “Are you ok?”        By participating in Rail R U OK?Day, you’re helping create an
of people around them.                                        industry that will be stronger, more supportive and safer.

In 2013, these two harm prevention charities decided to
team up and work together to help create an Australian
rail industry where all staff are connected and are

                                                              Join the
protected from suicide.

As part of this collaboration, 12 April 2018 will mark the

                                                              Conversation
fourth Rail R U OK?Day coordinated by TrackSAFE.
The aim is to encourage rail staff to join the Conversation
Movement by looking out for one another and using the

                                                              Movement
4 Steps to navigate a conversation:
1   Ask “Are you ok?”
2   Listen without judgement
3   Encourage action to help them manage the load
4   Check in to show you genuinely care

Depression, anxiety and mental trauma are real issues
impacting rail staff and regular, meaningful conversations
can really help our workmates.
                                                                                                                              2
3 things every Rail R U OK?Day
event needs

Your Rail R U OK?Day event is not just any event. It’s an opportunity to convince workmates
that they can make a real difference to someone who’s having a tough day by having a
meaningful conversation.

Why is this important?
Because rail staff are sometimes exposed to trauma - and on top of that - life can get us down
and we need a bit of support. So when you’re planning for Rail R U OK?Day, make sure you use:

1. Inspiration
Asking the question need not be a daunting prospect. If they say “No, I’m not ok”, that’s ok.
You’ve got what it takes to support them by listening, helping them find ways to further support,
and checking in with them so they know you genuinely care. These 4 Steps can help you have a
conversation that could change a life.

2. Genuine supporters
Invite people who are genuine supporters to endorse and promote the event. It might not be
the most senior person or the most wellknown person, but it’s really important that supporters
are genuine.

3. Time to connect
Make sure that workmates are given opportunities (and lots of encouragement) to talk to one
another. They may not talk about life’s big issues but they might get to know each other a little
better, which will help to break down barriers for future conversations.
                                                                                                    3
The Cheat Sheet of Champions

              1.	Nominate a Champion. This person will be responsible for bringing
                                                                                                                       1. Send staff an email reminding them to join in.
                  Rail R U OK?Day to life at work.
                                                                                                     Rail R U OK?Day   2. Promote and share on social media @TrackSAFEFoundation @ruokday
              2.	Champion meets with key stakeholders to review and discuss what worked and
Got your          what didn’t in prior years.                                                        12 April 2018     3. Share stories of inspiration from the TrackSAFE website.
champion?                                                                                                              4. Enjoy the event!
              3.	Discuss 2018 event ideas (page 10 of this toolkit), Rail R U OK?Day and/or
                  R UOK? merchandise, potential speakers among staff, recruiting key and genuine
                  supporters to help promote the event (use our key messages on page 7).

                                                                                                                       1. 	After your event, meet to discuss highlights, share photos and ways to improve
Secured        ook a location. Ensure it allows for a presentation/speech, is weather-proof
              B                                                                                                             for 2019.
your          and allows for people to chat and mingle.                                              High fives        2.	Write a "Thank You" note to share on staff intranet, including photos and
location?                                                                                                                  positive feedback.

              1. 	Order your R U OK? merchandise at ruok.org.au. We suggest conversation
                   cards, balloons and wristbands.
Ordered
your          2. Send staff a “Save The Date” email (page 9 of this toolkit ).                       June              It’s been 2 months since Rail R U OK?Day. Why not remind people to keep talking.
merch?        3. 	Share the Rail R U OK?Day video.
              4. 	Put a note about the event in staff payslips.

              Invite a staff member to share an experience of a conversation that really helped.
Share their   A presentation template can be downloaded from the TrackSAFE website.                                    Encourage staff to get behind national R U OK?Day on 13 September 2018 and ask
                                                                                                     September
experience    Can’t find anyone? Choose a video from the TrackSAFE website and share that                              family, friends and workmates “Are you ok?”
              with your audience.

              Get ready by ensuring there is: a) a running order, b) a great speech prepared,                          Mental health is something we all need to care about. 10 October 2018 is
                                                                                                                       World Mental Health Day. 1 in 5 Australians are affected by mental illness, yet
On your       c) a venue booked, d) something organised to keep staff engaged.
                                                                                                     October           many don’t seek help because of stigma. We can all do something to help shed
marks...      Don’t forget that you can use our event ideas (pages 10 and 11 of toolkit), or share                     a more positive light on mental health. Chat to your workmates about life’s ups
              great video content found on the TrackSAFE website.                                                      and downs, and offer support.

              1. 	Put up posters in tea rooms, bathrooms and other popular areas (download
                                                                                                                       The holiday season can be great fun – but it can also be a time of stress
                   from the TrackSAFE website).
                                                                                                     December          for people experiencing financial, family or other challenges. Check in with
              2. 	Share this years’ video on your staff intranet or newsletter (download from                         workmates at this time.
                   the TrackSAFE website).
              3. 	Ensure that the Employment Assistance Provider (if you have one) is invited
Get set...         and can attend the event.
              5. Print/mail out/distribute take ones available from the TrackSAFE website.
              6. Ask managers to promote and endorse Rail R U OK?Day at team meetings.
              7. 	Send managers the “How to ask staff R U OK?” booklet (available from the
                   TrackSAFE website).

                                                                                                                                                                                                       4
Communications
approach

Rail R U OK?Day is primarily aimed at rail staff but may also get the
attention of media and government.

When promoting the benefits and effects of the campaign and to
explain what Rail R U OK?Day is all about, it’s recommended you
use the following key messages:

To employees
   	You know better than anyone else the pressures your
     workmates have to face each day.
   	Because you see your workmates every day, you’re in a
     great position to find the time and courage to really ask them,
     “Are you ok?”
    Talking about the tough stuff can make us all stronger.
   	Get involved in Rail R U OK?Day (12 April 2018) and join the
     Conversation Movement.

  Join the Conversation Movement
  For tips on how to start an “Are you ok?” conversation using
  the 4 Steps, visit ruok.org.au
  To find out more about the TrackSAFE Foundation,
  visit www.tracksafefoundation.com.au

                                                                    5
To management

	Research shows that a strong sense of community
  and trust between colleagues is a protective factor
  against suicide.
	We have a responsibility to help our people feel safe
  and supported at work. As part of our suicide prevention
  strategy, we’ve partnered with the national suicide
  prevention charity R U OK?
	As an industry affected too often by suicide, we need
  to fearlessly and courageously embrace suicide
   prevention strategies.
	We want to give staff the confidence and capacity to
  turn to each other to talk about life’s ups and downs.
	Get behind Rail R U OK?Day (12 April 2018) and help
  workmates start life-changing conversations.

Join the Conversation Movement
For tips on how to start an “Are you ok?” conversation using
the 4 Steps, visit ruok.org.au
To find out more about the TrackSAFE Foundation,
visit www.tracksafefoundation.com.au

                                                               6
Key messages

	Asking “Are you ok” can can help a workmate feel
  supported and safe. Join the Conversation Movement
  and learn the 4 Steps to navigating a conversation with
  someone who may be struggling with life.

	With the support of the TrackSAFE Foundation, we
  have partnered with national suicide prevention charity
  R U OK? to foster a more compassionate and responsive
  atmosphere for those who work in the rail industry.

	The rail industry is looking out for its people; we are
  dedicated to creating workplaces where workers are
  encouraged to start life-changing conversations and
  feel connected and protected from suicide.

Join the Conversation Movement
For tips on how to start an “Are you ok?” conversation using
the 4 Steps, visit ruok.org.au
To find out more about the TrackSAFE Foundation,
visit www.tracksafefoundation.com.au

                                                               7
Suggested wording
for e-mails and social media

Facebook                                                                 ‘Save The Date’ email for managers
  	We see our workmates every day, so on 12 April 2018 let’s find the   Subject: Join the Conversation Movement
    time and courage to really ask them, “Are you ok?” #railruokday
                                                                         Rail R U OK?Day - 12 April 2018
    Find tips here: https://www.ruok.org.au/ask-a-mate
  	Today is Rail R U OK?Day! Join the Conversation Movement             Dear On Thursday 12 April, 
                                                                         will once again take part in the industry-wide mental health initiative
    by asking #ruok #railruokday
                                                                         Rail R U OK?Day. The aim of the day is to emphasise the importance of
  	Today is Rail R U OK?Day! We’re committing to asking #ruok           helping workmates who seem to be doing it tough by asking, “Are you ok?”
    today and any day a workmate’s struggling #railruokday
                                                                         Taking the time to talk with a colleague – not only on our industry-
                                                                         specific R U OK?Day, but any day someone’s struggling – will help each
Note: A Facebook image and cover image can be downloaded here:
                                                                         of us create a stronger, more resilient, safer workplace. We need your
http://tracksafefoundation.com.au/rail-ruok-day                          support to make Rail R U OK?Day a success!
                                                                         You’ll find a Rail R U OK?Day toolkit at www.tracksafefoundation.com.
Twitter                                                                  au/rail-ruok-day with event and communication ideas you can tailor
                                                                         to suit your organisation’s culture. Be creative and feel free to use your
  	Join the Conversation Movement and support a workmate
                                                                         company collateral.
    who may be struggling #ruok @TrackSAFE @ruokday
                                                                         You can also get tips on how to start a conversation and find national
  	Today is rail’s own @ruokday! Join the Conversation Movement
                                                                         helplines if someone needs extra support at ruok.org.au Don’t forget,
    by asking #ruok #railruokday @TrackSAFE
                                                                         staff doing it tough at work can also contact . Don’t worry; the service is confidential.
    day a workmate’s struggling #railruokday @TrackSAFE                  I hope you will join Rail R U OK?Day. Together, let’s join the Conversation
                                                                         Movement and help those who may be struggling with life.
Note: A Twitter cover image can be downloaded here:
http://tracksafefoundation.com.au/rail-ruok-day                          

                                                                                                                                                      8
Suggested wording
for e-mails and social media

‘Save The Date’ email for staff                                                            Post-event email for all staff
Subject: Join the Conversation Movement
                                                                                           Subject: Rail R U OK?Day’s journey continues
Rail R U OK?Day - 12 April 2018
                                                                                           R U OK?Day is every day
Dear ,
                                                                                           Dear ,
On Thursday 20 April,  will once again take part in the
                                                                                           Thank you so much for your support and for making
industry-wide mental health initiative Rail R U OK?Day.
                                                                                           the fourth Rail R U OK?Day such a huge success.
The aim of the day is to emphasise the importance of helping workmates who                 If we all take the time to continue to have these
seem to be doing it tough by asking, “Are you ok?”                                         important conversations, we can make a significant
Taking the time to talk with a colleague – not only on our industry-specific R U OK?Day,   difference in our industry, families and communities.
but any day someone’s struggling – will help each of us to create a stronger, more         Any time you need tips on how to talk to anyone
resilient, safer workplace.                                                                who might be struggling, visit ruok.org.au
We need your support to make this Rail R U OK?Day a success!                               Together, let’s join the Conversation Movement.
                                                                                           So, ask the question, “Are you ok?” anytime you
We’ll be organising the below events to get staff talking:                                 think someone might need a bit of support.

You can also get tips on how to start a conversation and find national helplines if
someone needs extra support at ruok.org.au Don’t forget, staff doing it tough at
work can also contact .
Don’t worry; the service is confidential.
Together, let’s join the Conversation Movement and help those who may be
struggling with life.
I hope you’ll be able to join Rail R U OK?Day.
                                                                                                                                  9
Event ideas and collateral

Morning teas and BBQs                                                    Tips to help make your event a success:

The aim of a Rail R U OK?Day event is to help workmates become           1. 	Order R U OK? coffee cups, tea bags, and conversation cards:
more comfortable about starting an R U OK? conversation – even                www.ruok.org.au
with colleagues they don’t normally have much to do with.                2. Download posters: http://tracksafefoundation.com.au/rail-ruok-day
Bring workmates together during the traditional ‘tools down’ time        3. 	Ask your local cafe to get on board and offer ‘two-for-one’
of day by hosting a morning tea or a BBQ. Use the event to show staff        or free cuppas
that by giving a workmate the space to express their feelings they can
help transform a negative, potentially harmful outlook for the better.   4. S
                                                                             tick a Rail R U OK?Day wallet to your phone and start
                                                                            more conversations
To encourage people to get involved, randomly pair staff up
(e.g. names drawn from a hat). One member from each pair is                     Join the
then tasked with ordering or making a hot beverage or a sausage               conversation
sizzle for their partner and themselves .                                      movement
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The pairs then spend the morning tea or BBQ getting to know each                    SKR
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Another idea to promote staff talking is to challenge staff to                                                          AC

invite someone they don’t really know for a coffee. Staff could be        Visit ruok.org.au to learn more about            CH
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                                                                                                                                K   IN

                                                                                                                      4.
encouraged to drop an invite on the person’s desk or locker (even         the four steps to a conversation

a post-it note will do) and nominate a time to chat. To get as many
people as possible talking, the workplace could arrange for free or
                                                                          12 April 2018
                                                                          Rail R U OK?Day

discounted coffees or food.

                                                                                                                                             10
Event ideas

	Host a sausage sizzle and invite everyone to come
	‘Speed mating’ – similar to speed dating, workmates get
  practise in asking questions (including “Are you ok?”) of
  everyone in their team using questions they’ve pulled out
  of a hat such as, “What’s your happiest childhood memory?”
  or “What is the best advice you ever received and who gave
  it to you?” or “What’s a trip that changed your life?”
	Arrange for a Mr Whippy ice-cream van to visit your worksite
	Get roving ‘R U OK? Reporters’ to interview team members
  to create mini videos
	Encourage workmates to wear yellow
	Create ‘Conversation Corners’ by flagging certain areas
  with yellow and black speech bubbles or helium balloons
  and set out tables and chairs in groups of two
	Host a lunchtime music concert and invite someone to share
  their thoughts on how conversations can make a difference
	If you’re the boss, consider giving staff a few minutes off to
  call their grandparents or family interstate or overseas
	Double the rostered morning tea breaks to encourage
   people to talk

                                                                   11
Keep the message alive

We want rail staff to talk to one another not just on
Rail R U OK?Day - but every day!

Make sure you use our planner on page 4 to help
you promote the message throughout the year.

Be sure to use:
   	Intranet and social media assets
   	Stories of inspiration
   	Videos of inspiration

These can be downloaded from:
http://tracksafefoundation.com.au/rail-ruok-day

Help us inspire
staff to join the
Conversation
Movement!

                                                        12
Join the Conversation Movement
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Toolkit
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12 April 2018
Rail R U OK?Day
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