Donnybrook to ‘turn town yellow’ to encourage mental health conversations for R U OK Day

“Are you OK?”

A simple question that can have life-changing effects is at the core of one community’s challenge to bring mental health to the forefront next week.

Donnybrook residents will be shining a light on suicide prevention by “painting the town yellow” for R U OK Day.

On Thursday, the town will host an event with mental health professionals as guest speakers and a conversation cafe set up to show people how to start talking about suicide and mental health.

Event organiser Ellie Clare said decorating the town was about raising awareness of an issue that was rife in the community.

“We had a suicide impact our community recently and it’s important for people to know how to start the conversation and set the foundation to have mental health resources in town,” she said.

“I know how hard it can be to ask people for help, so when someone starts paying attention and reaches out, it can be a massive change.”

Ms Clare said yellow decorations may seem like a small move, but it was part of a wider discussion that could help save a life.

“You could help someone you love, someone you may not know is struggling,” she said.

“It’s OK not to be OK, but you don’t need to go through it alone.”

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