Why use this guide? Join the Conversation Movement. Chances are your work family needs to talk. How do conversations make a difference?

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1 A cafe s guide to supporting R U OK? every day of the year

2 Why use this guide? Suicide prevention charity R U OK? is calling on cafes across Australia to remind their customers and staff that a conversation over a cuppa could change a life any day of the year. The guide contains resources and ideas for cafes to create a more connected community that supports those who wish to have a conversation over a cuppa and help someone who may be struggling with life. Join the Conversation Movement Chances are your work family needs to talk A study by R U OK? cited mental health as one of the biggest challenges for those working in the hospitality industry. Not only can having a cuppa in a café be an action for customers, but staff too. With everyday life challenges such as busy times at work, relationship breakdowns, financial difficulty, grief and loss, etc. chances are one of your work family needs to talk. Consider asking the question of your work family and visit ruok.org.au/hospitality for more information. R U OK?Day is our national day of action, held on the second Thursday in September. But we know meaningful conversations need to happen not just one day a year, but any day we notice that someone in our community might be doing it tough. R U OK? is encouraging Australia s cafés to help show that every day is the day to ask the question and have a conversation that could change a life. How do conversations make a difference? When relationships with our neighbours, friends, community and loved ones are strong, we re well placed to notice the signs that someone might be struggling. By trusting that gut instinct and asking them, Are you OK? we can help them open up and find pathways to support long before they reach a crisis point. 2 3

3 Champion the message Help show R U OK? is a cause that everyone can get behind by sharing the following key messages with your customers and staff via your in-café promotions, social media, and advertising networks: In the time it takes to have a cuppa, you could have a conversation that could change a life. 1. Ask R U OK? Simple steps to a life-changing conversation 4. Check in Ask R U OK? A conversation could change a life. We can all make a difference to those who are struggling by having regular, meaningful conversations about life up s and down s. You don t have to be an expert. Follow R U OK? s 4 Steps to a conversation: 1. Ask R U OK? 2. Listen 3. Encourage action 4. Check in Every day is R U OK? - every day is the day to start a conversation that could change a life. 2. Listen 3. Encourage action 4 5

4 Other resources you can share Use our community and bespoke hospitality resources in your café: Posters Conversation guide Conversation cards R U OK? We make time to ask logo You can also visit our YouTube channel ( for these videos and more to share on screens in your café: Our Story - How R U OK? began R U OK? s impact explained We make time to ask 6 7

5 Ways to get involved Consider offering 2-for-1 deals to encourage people to start a conversation Create a Conversation Corner for quiet, meaningful chats Provide Conversation Cards on counter tops that offer a range of helpline numbers Showcase mental health and crisis support services: findhelp Host an R U OK? event in your café: Merchandise Consider adding a splash of yellow to your café by ordering some of our best-sellers: Disposable cups or keep cups Stickers for cup lids Limited edition Byron Bay R U OK? cookies designed to share Coasters Napkins Aprons Conversation cards with holder and much more! 8 9

6 For more information on ways to champion R U OK? in your community, visit ruok.org.au