Lots of people in Australia and around the world are facing tough times at the moment.
If you know someone who has been affected by a natural disaster, you might be wondering how you can help. While we can’t all get out there with shovels and sandbags, there are other ways you can support your friends and community.
R U OK? is encouraging you to reach out to the people in your community doing it tough and offer your support. Knowing someone who cares and is always ready to listen can make a big difference.
Here are some of their top tips for supporting someone affected by a natural disaster:
Trust the signs and ask – the most simple thing you can do to help someone is to just ask how they’re doing, and let them know you’re here for them.
Listen – sometimes people just need to vent about the situation they’re in, and you can support them by listening.
Encourage action – if the problem is too big for you to solve, don’t be afraid to help someone find professional support.
Check back in – unfortunately these problems aren’t just solved overnight, so don’t forget to keep checking in with your friends and community to make sure they’re doing ok.
You can download a copy of the free Mateship Manual to find even more ways you can support those affected by natural disaster. Find it here: https://www.ruok.org.au/natural-disaster-and-emergency-mateship-manual