R U OK?

Have you ever had a gut feeling that someone close to you, a family member, friend, or colleague, might be struggling emotionally? Have you noticed changes in their behavior? Are they more withdrawn, less communicative than usual? Is your teenager retreating into their own world? Is your co-worker showing signs of sadness, fatigue, or disengagement?

In moments like these, you might feel a quiet tug on your heart, a sense that something isn't quite right. And yet, your mind hesitates: Is it really my place to step in? What if I offend them by bringing it up?

Many of us have found ourselves in this uncomfortable space, aware that someone might be in distress, yet uncertain about how to respond. Often, it's not indifference that holds us back, but fear: fear of saying the wrong thing, fear of overstepping, or simply feeling unqualified to help.

Mental wellbeing remains a topic that's too often kept in the shadows of our community discourse. It's time we asked ourselves: What if reaching out could make all the difference?

That's where R U OK? comes in.

R U OK? is a practical, proven program that empowers everyday people to check in with those around them. It equips us with simple yet powerful tools to start meaningful conversations, conversations that could change, or even save, a life.

"In the time it takes to have a cup of coffee, you can have a conversation that can change a life,"

said the late Gavin Larkin (founder of R U OK?.

Originally developed in Australia and now successfully adopted in New Zealand and in Hebrew-speaking communities in Israel, R U OK? is being brought to the English-speaking community by Telfed in collaboration with ENOSH (The Israeli Mental Health Association).

In October 2024, Telfed launched R U OK? for the English-speaking population in memory of the late Dina Oraya Isaacson, as a way to honor her legacy of connection, care, and compassion.

Reaching out doesn't have to be complicated. A small gesture can carry so much weight. Let's make sure no one is left feeling forgotten.

Telfed offers one-time R U OK? workshops for up to 25 participants, where you'll learn how to recognize when someone might be struggling, how to ask "Are you OK?" with authenticity, how to listen without judgment, and how to guide someone toward the support they need.

Since the events of October 7, 2023, we have all been coping with realities we never imagined. In these times, and truly at all times, it's more important than ever to remind each other: you are not alone. Mental wellbeing is not a luxury; it's a necessity for individuals, families, and our community as a whole and is essential in order to cope best with our day-to-day lives.

You don't need to be an expert to make a difference. You just need to be a caring friend and a good listener.

Because as the program reminds us:
"It's OK not to be OK. It's not OK to be alone."

If you'd like more information about the R U OK? program or want to organize a workshop, please contact Louise at Telfed: 📞054 429 9688 | 📧 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.