You don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes you just need to ask.
We spend a lot of time with the people we work with. You notice when your mate who is normally cracking jokes goes quiet. When someone’s not quite themselves. Or when they just seem to be having a rough run.
You don’t need to be an expert to check in.
Sometimes a simple “Hey mate, you doing okay?” is enough to start a conversation.
Mentor Tip: Don’t try to fix it
If someone tells you they’re having a tough time, you don’t need the perfect response.
Put the phone down. Listen. Don’t judge. And if they need more support, help them find it.
That’s being a good mate.
And remember – checking in isn’t just for R U OK? Day. If someone’s on your mind, ask them any day.
Support That Gets Tradies
If you or a mate could use some extra support, there are people who understand the pressures that can come with working in trades and industry.
MATES in Construction
Mental health support created specifically for people working in construction and related industries, including a confidential 24/7 helpline.
https://construction.mates.org.au/
📞 1300 642 111
TIACS
Free mental health counselling for tradies, truckies, rural and blue-collar workers.
https://www.tiacs.org
📞 0488 846 988
And your Mas mentor is here too. Whether it’s work, money, relationships, motivation or life outside the job, sometimes it just helps to have someone in your corner.
-Reach out through the Mas Connects App anytime.
Ask R U OK? Any Day
Here is one challenge for this week:
-Think of one person you have not checked in with for a while.
-Send the text. Make the call. Grab a coffee.
You never know how much that little check-in might mean.