Local community ambassador for R U OK?

Ben Burgess will lend his voice to suicide prevention work in the Newcastle community in a new volunteer role as an R U OK? Community Ambassador. Ben’s role will focus on spreading the R U OK? message in schools, workplaces and clubs and will help build the community’s capacity to have a conversation with someone who may be struggling with life. After being diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and depression at the age of 13, Ben has struggled with his mental health and learning to fit in. It wasn’t till his early 20s that he looked at medication in combination with a healthy lifestyle to manage his mental health.

“Being approached by R U OK? this year to be Newcastle’s first Community Ambassador, I am honoured and so grateful for the opportunity to spread the awareness that it is ok not to be ok and help is only a phone call away at any time.”

Ben Burgess, Community Ambassador for RU OK

R U OK? have welcomed Ben’s support and hope it will shine a light on the role we can all play in supporting a loved one or colleague who is showing signs of struggle.

To invite Ben to speak contact events@ruok.org.au. R U OK? Day is a national day of action, held on the second Thursday of September each year. But every day is the day to start a conversation. Conversation tips and crisis numbers can be found at www.ruok.org.au