The theme for this year’s R U OK? Day is ‘Ask RU OK? Any day’.


Mount Gambier Medicare Mental Health Centre manager Tracey Wanganeen said the day is a reminder that people can check in on others every day of the year.


She said it was also important people remembered to check in on themselves.


“We can often overlook our own wellbeing and that’s every bit as important as looking after the people around us,” she said.


“R U OK? Day is an excellent reminder of the importance of checking in on the wellbeing of those we care about as well as ourselves.


“The Mount Gambier team understand that asking “Are you OK?” is the first step in supporting someone you believe may be struggling.


“What if the answer is ‘No, I’m not okay’? The concern that this might be the response can make us reluctant to ask in the first place.


“If you are worried about someone and are not sure how to approach it – come and see the team, we can support you to help those you care about.


“If it is you that is not okay – remember seeking help is a strength and not a weakness – walk on into our office and have a chat with one of the team.”


FocusOne Health is a lead agency for Mount Gambier Medicare Mental Health Centre (formerly Head To Health) funded by the Country SA Primary Health Network.


Although the service is currently undergoing a name and branding change, Ms Wanganeen assured the service still remains the same.


“Mount Gambier Medicare Mental Health Centre is one of the newer programs under FocusOne Health,” she said.


“We often hear conversations that people do not know we have services here.


“You often find you do not know, until you need to know.”


The centre provides free accessible and comprehensive mental health support to the Mount Gambier community, including information, assessments, support or referrals.


The centre offers free support five days a week, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.


Located at 7/165 Commercial Street East, the service is open to adults over the age of 18 years. No appointments or referrals are needed.


Visitors are greeted by a Mental Health Peer Support Worker where they can have an informal chat and determine what support services to connect to.


“We understand that seeking help can be daunting,” Ms Wanganeen said.


“Our Peer Support Workers are dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making the journey towards better mental health a little easier.”


Additionally, people can reach out to the Head to Health telephone service on 1800 595 212, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.