To have a positive impact on Australia’s mental health and wellbeing and thank those who’ve taken the time to ask “are you ok,” AccorHotels is supporting the R U OK? campaign ‘Thanks for Asking’ which launched in Perth this week (11 AUG).
The national awareness campaign aims to inspire hope and gratitude and is calling on Australians to give a big old-fashioned thanks to their friends or colleagues who have checked in to ask ‘are you ok’; illustrating the power of a conversation.
To galvanise the community, R U OK? will travel the breadth of Australia to encourage people to say thanks and share their stories. AccorHotels will accommodate the R U OK? crew across 12 locations, offering a warm welcome to both the crew and their bright yellow bus.
Beginning the tour in Perth today, the crew will visit locations across Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales. The final stop in Parramatta is timed to align with R U OK?Day (10 SEP).
“A conversation could save a life and our hotel teams are proud to support the R U OK? tour with comfortable accommodation again this year,” said AccorHotels’ Chief Operating Officer – Pacific, Simon McGrath.
“Our hotels and staff are integral to keeping communities connected through great hospitality and we hope to share the power of a conversation in preventing suicide by inspiring our staff and guests to take the time to ask,” he said.
The R U OK? tour will visit AccorHotels including ibis Perth, The Sebel Mandurah, Mercure Bunbury Sanctuary, ibis Styles Albany, ibis Adelaide, Mercure Port of Echuca, Mercure Melbourne Albert Park, Mercure Wagga Wagga, ibis Styles Eaglehawk and Mercure Parramatta.
R U OK? Campaign Director, Rebecca Lewis, says it’s all about appealing to people’s hearts and convincing people of the power of a conversation.
“By sharing real stories and helping people to write notes of thanks, we hope that more people will be convinced that regular, meaningful conversations between family and friends can change lives,” she said.
For the first time, R U OK?Day and World Suicide Prevention Day will coincide on Thursday 10 September, raising further awareness of the issue.