VICSES Heidelberg Unit adds to vital R U OK? conversation

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers and staff have shone a spotlight on mental wellbeing in their community, joining with local leaders in acknowledging the at times unspoken struggle impacting millions of Australians each year.

Almost 50 guests were in attendance at the VICSES Heidelberg Unit on 9 October to participate in the R U OK? Conversation Convoy initiative, a travelling roadshow committed to helping community members understand the role they can play in supporting the mental wellbeing of their family, friends and colleagues.

Over a supplied lunch, attendees were encouraged to share their experiences with their fellow VICSES members and representatives from Darebin City Council, and learn more about the resources and support offered by the R U OK? Initiative.

The R U OK? Conversation Convoy travels throughout Australia each year, engaging with locals by offering free interactive workshops and outdoor activations to develop mental health literacy among residents, and providing tools to promote regular wellbeing check-ins in each community.

VICSES Chief Executive Officer Greg Leach joined Chief Operations Officer Tim Wiebusch, executives, senior operational staff, VICSES People and Culture and Workplace Health and Safety members at the event, fostering a healthy discussion around mental wellbeing.

VICSES Heidelberg Unit has maintained a strong relationship with the ethos of R U OK? in recent years, with volunteer Ashleigh Bartlett and former Controller Luke Francis featured as part of the charity’s 2023 R U OK? Day campaign.

The video, which was broadcast on R U OK?’s social media channels and website, details Ashleigh’s own struggles following a deployment in 2022, and how a proactive approach by her Unit Controller had allowed her to work through the situation.

Ashleigh had been slated to trek the Kokoda Trail last month as part of her partnership with R U OK? until blockages along the trail saw her journey postponed.

For more information about the R U OK? Conversation Convoy initiative, visit https://www.ruok.org.au/conversation-convoy.

Quotes attributable to Rachel Treeby, VICSES Manager Wellbeing Services and Support:

“While VICSES volunteers and staff go to great lengths to support the physical wellbeing of their communities by protecting them from hazards, it’s important they always remain conscious of their own mental wellbeing.

“Simply asking R U OK? can often give others the freedom to speak openly about what they’re experiencing, and may be the first step to healing.”