We need to #StayConnected.
Australian suicide prevention charity R U OK? recently asked their Instagram community how they will stay connected while they’re physical distancing through the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The responses from all across Australia had one thing in common – We need to #StayConnected.
Below we have shared R U OK?’s five favourite responses:
1. Chat online and ask friends if they’re OK.
Many of us have access to devices that allow us to stay in touch with our family, friends and colleagues online. If you know people that live alone or might be doing it extra tough during this time, reach out with a friendly message asking them if they’re OK. If they say they’re fine but you’re concerned they might be struggling, give them a call, ask again and let them know you’re here for them. For tips on how to ask, visit the R U OK? website here.
2. Write a letter. Post it.
While it might take a few days to arrive, the effort and care put into writing a letter is often really appreciated by those who receive it. It can be especially uplifting for those who may be feeling a little isolated and disconnected. Kids will especially love this idea so ask them to write to their friends or relatives.
3. Stay social.
Don’t cancel your regular dinner or work social time, just move it online or over the phone. You might be seeing people face-to-face less often, but continuing to socialise with family, friends and colleagues will help you feel more connected and give you a sense of normality.
Try apps like Zoom, House Party, FaceTime or Skype.
4. Create a Facebook group for your street.
Becoming friends with those in your neighbourhood can help you feel more secure and connected to your community. An easy way to do this is by creating a Facebook group for your street. Just create a private page on Facebook and drop a note in your neighbour’s letterboxes with instructions on how to join. If you prefer to do things offline, pop an R U OK? Connection Card or a Hello Neighbour card in your neighbour’s letterbox.
Neighbour Day this year is Sunday 29 March 2020. Neighbour Day was founded in Melbourne, Australia in March 2003 by Andrew Heslop and has progressed from a reminder to connect with elderly neighbours to an annual celebration of strong communities and friendly streets.
Fun Fact: Did you know the co-founders of Play & Go were neighbours? We still belong to a Facebook group for our street set up many years ago to offer each other support and to keep in touch. We still have seven original members even though four of us have moved to other suburbs now.
5. Play online games with friends.
Online gaming is a great way to stay connected with friends while keeping up some friendly competition. Play together and have a chat while you’re at it. Many online games have a chat function, or you could use the apps listed above to play a virtual game together.
No matter how you go about it, be kind, listen to what they’re saying, be there for them and #StayConnected.
For immediate crisis support please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
For other supports and services visit the R U OK? website.
For information on COVID-19 (coronavirus) please head to the Australia Department of Health website or call 1800 020 080.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the R U OK? website.
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: R U OK? and Cancer Council SA
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