Starting a new job as an apprentice or trainee is exciting but can also be challenging and stressful. Many young workers face a lot of pressure as they move from the classroom into the workplace, dealing with new responsibilities, tough conditions, and sometimes even low pay or bullying. That’s why the R U OK? campaign is encouraging young people to look out for each other and “Be a mate, it’s worth it.” It’s about checking in on your friends, especially when things are tough, because sometimes a simple conversation with a mate can make a huge difference.
Thomas Eyre, who used to be an apprentice fitter machinist, knows this all too well. He went through difficult times during his apprenticeship when his mental health began to suffer. “During my apprenticeship, my mental health started to decline. It had a massive impact on how I felt,” Thomas shared. Like many young people facing stress, he started isolating himself from friends and didn’t feel like reaching out for help. But he noticed that when his friends checked in on him, he felt less alone. They didn’t need to give advice; just listening and showing that they cared helped him open up.
Research shows that having these kinds of conversations can really help people feel supported. People who talk with friends about their problems often say they feel safer, more understood, and better about dealing with their situation. R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton explains that young people, especially apprentices, benefit greatly from having strong friendships. Many apprentices leave their programs because the challenges are just too much to handle alone. Support from friends can make a big difference, helping them feel less overwhelmed.
The “Be a mate, it’s worth it” campaign, supported by CareSuper, is designed to help young people understand how important it is to have supportive friends. It provides easy-to-use tips and tools to help young people start those meaningful conversations with each other. This campaign reminds us that we all need someone we can rely on, and by building strong friendships, we can get through tough times together.
Thomas highlights how easy it can be to support a friend. He says that simple actions like sending a message, meeting for coffee, or just checking in can have a powerful impact. “You don’t have to offer much advice; just be that ear they can talk to. Talking through it really helps,” he says. Often, people don’t ask for help because it feels uncomfortable or intimidating, but if a friend reaches out first, it makes it easier to open up. Thomas encourages everyone to reach out to their friends with a simple question: “Are you OK?”
Just by checking in on each other, we can make a big difference. So, send a message, grab a coffee, or go for a run with a friend. You might just brighten someone’s day and remind them that they’re not alone in their journey.
For free resources, tools, and inspiring stories, you can visit ruok.org.au.
This information and image was provided courtesy of Annabel Bowman of R U OK? organization.