In the seven years since it was founded, R U OK? has become a national phenomenon in Australia.
Now, the sister of a local man who ended his own life is hoping to see the suicide-prevention movement make the same impact in Prince George, if not across Canada.
As the name implies, R U OK? is centred on a simple but important message.
"Essentially, it's about encouraging us all to have regular, meaningful conversations with the people in our lives and checking in with them, asking 'are you OK,'" Heather Gordon-Young said.
"That could be people you work with, people in our families, our friends that we see because we so often find ourselves too busy and not finding the time to check in with the people we care about.
"A huge part of preventing suicide is making sure that we are aware when people are struggling."
Gordon-Young is the author of Fireflies: Finding Light in a Dark World, in which she details her quest for answers surrounding the death of Jim Young roughly 25 years ago.
An accomplished wildlife artist, Young was also a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of one of his elementary school teachers. Gordon-Young believes the trauma from that abuse played a major role in her brother's decision to take his own life.
Coinciding with the launch of the book about a year ago, Gordon-Young established the Jim Young Foundation and bringing R U OK? to this country is its first project.
"In Australia, one in four people participate in R U OK? activities every year," Gordon-Young said. "It's a big deal there and you probably wouldn't find a person who wouldn't know what R U OK? is all about."
R U OK? encourages a four-step process beginning with asking the friend, co-worker or relative how they are feeling. The second step is to listen without judgment, encouraging action is the third step and fourth is to follow up.
"It's all about building that regular circle of communication and support and care across our communities," Gordon-Young said. "It sort of creates that broad social safety net that is not necessarily there automatically in a world that is a bit disconnected."
A fundraising banquet and silent auction will be held next Thursday, Oct. 20 at the the Prince George Golf and Curling Club with the proceeds going towards launching a broader awareness campaign next year.
Tickets are $30 each and are available at Books and Company or by calling 250-552-2328. For more [email protected] or go to "R U OK? Prince George, Canada" on Facebook.
