Conversation Convoy stops off in Albany to encourage residents to ask R U OK?

Albany residents were invited to check in on each other when the R U OK? Conversation Convoy rolled into town on Tuesday.

The bright yellow convoy was set up in the town square in the middle of the day with passers-by invited to take a quick break to sit down, have a chat and enjoy a free sausage sizzle.

The convoy is travelling about 7400km across through regional communities across the country over 33 days in October and November.

It arrived in Albany after stops in Bunbury and Busselton last week and its next stop is in Kalgoorlie on October 15.

R U OK? chief executive Katherine Newton said “regular, genuine conversations about how we’re really going” could change lives by making people feel more supported.

“By taking the R U OK? Conversation Convoy around Australia, we work to empower people with the confidence to have a meaningful conversation if they spot the signs someone close to them might be struggling with life,” she said.

As well as prompting conversation, the convoy also provided practical tips encouraging people to stay connected so that it was easier to have helpful conversations during difficult periods of life.

“We know that locals know best and the Conversation Convoy gives R U OK? the opportunity to hear directly from communities to better understand their current needs,” Ms Newton said.

“This informs the development of future resources and campaigns to ensure they are practical and useful.”