Be a mate, it’s worth it

Be a mate. Have a conversation.

Young workers have highlighted the life changing role played by their mates in a series of personal stories with R U OK? and now, ‘Be a mate, it’s worth it’.

Case studies reinforce the call for young trainees and apprentices to ‘Be a mate, it’s worth it’, because when we’re going through tough times, mates are often best placed to understand and lend support.

Thomas Eyre, a former apprentice fitter machinist, said his apprenticeship was a challenging time.

“During my apprenticeship, my mental health started to decline. It had a massive impact on how I felt,” said Mr Eyre. “I started isolating myself and stopped reaching out to mates.”

Mr Eyres said he relates to research that found those on the receiving end of a meaningful R U OK? conversation report feeling supported, heard, safe, and better about managing their situation having talked it through with someone who showed genuine interest and concern.

“When you have people checking in, it encourages you to open up,” added Mr Eyre. “I received the best support from people who asked, ‘What’s wrong?’ and then truly listened. You don’t have to offer much advice; just be that ear they can talk to. Talking through it really helps.”

Mr Eyre said he wants everyone to understand how important it is to reach out to your mates.

“It’s daunting to ask for help, and a lot of the time, we don’t do it. So, you’ve got to be the one to reach out and ask, ‘are you OK?’” he explained. “It’s important to have those conversations regularly because we might face a challenging time any day of the year. You can be a supportive mate just by checking in – send a message, grab a coffee, or go for a run together.”

The impact on their mental health is one of the leading reasons apprentices and trainees do not finish their apprenticeships, often due to challenging working conditions, poor pay, or bullying.

“Research shows that being an apprentice or trainee can be challenging for young people who are learning to transition from the classroom to the workplace,” said Katherine Newton, R U OK? CEO. “This, combined with life’s usual ups and downs, can have a cumulative effect on mental health and their sense of social connection.”

“R U OK? is encouraging apprentices and trainees to build and maintain strong friendships they can rely on as they move through life, to ensure they feel connected and supported. ‘Be a mate, it’s worth it’ is about being there for your mates, and knowing they’ll be there for you too.”

Developed with generous support from CareSuper, ‘Be a mate, it’s worth it’ includes practical tools and tips to empower trainees and apprentices with the knowledge and confidence to have meaningful R U OK? conversations and foster supportive friendships.

All ‘Be a mate, it’s worth it’ resources are free to access at ruok.org.au.

For free and confidential support at any time of day or night, young people up to 25 years of age can access Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online 24/7 at: kidshelpline.com.au.

For support at any time of day or night, Lifeline provides free and confidential crisis support. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online at: lifeline.org.au.

13YARN is a free 24/7 service offering crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. Call 13YARN (13 92 76).

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