Coodanup College celebrates R U OK Day

The annual event hopes to spread awareness about the importance of mental health and encourage the students to take care of each other by regularly asking their peers if they are OK. 

The event kicked off with a visit from the local radio station, which got the students into the groove before heading to the school’s gym for a special assembly.

This year’s assembly was delivered by Shalom House founder Peter Lyndon-James, who shared his life story as a former ice addict and criminal.

Mr Lyndon-James also spoke about the importance of seeking help and the need to address mental health issues.

Throughout the day, the students had the opportunity to participate in a sports carnival, compete against their teachers in a ninja obstacle course and purchase some food from visiting food vendors. 

They also had the chance to learn more about mental health service providers and where to seek help if they are struggling with mental health issues. 

Coodanup student services manager Jess Halliday said the event highlighted the importance of mental health and the school’s positive ethos. 

“It’s about making the school bright, vibrant and engage the local community,” she said.

“A conversation can change a life.”

R U OK? is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to protect people from suicide by asking if they are OK.

It also encourages people to listen to other people’s problems, actively encourage people to seek help and checking in to see if they are feeling better.

Help is available:

National 24/7 crisis support services include:

National youth support services include: