R U OK? Day

Yellow was truly the colour of the Barossa yesterday, as across the region people marked 'R U OK? Day', and took the opportunity to ask that very important question.

As they have for several years, Seeds of Hope was present at Barossa Central, spreading positivity with free cupcakes, vouchers for free coffee, DIY badges and key-rings and of course its trademark giveaway sunflower seeds.

But for committee member Jan Hoffman the most important part of the day is the conversation.

"R U OK? Day is a great reason to get out in the community and to provide support for people who are struggling," Jan said on Thursday.

Also available at the stall were Ben's Bunches, native flower bouquets sold in honour of Dr Ben Baker who sadly lost his life to suicide.

With Ben's Bunches founded by Ben's wife, and owner of Kids United, Paula Baker, flowers were available at both the Angaston and city stores, with Paula saying there had been a huge amount of support during the "beautiful but emotional" day.

Fellow local stores Alabaster Barossa and Fleur Social were also onboard for the initiative once again, with proceeds of all Ben Bunches sales going to Seeds of Hope to continue its crucial work in suicide prevention across the Barossa.

According to Suicide Prevention Australia statistics* over seven million Australian adults are close to someone who has died by suicide or attempted suicide, with 3,307 Australians dying by suicide in 2024.

However, in a positive sign, the age-standardised rate of suicide (deaths per 100,000) has decreased from 12.1 in 2023 to 11.8 in 2024 with a decrease of around 8.5 per cent from 2015 (taking Australia’s changing population into account).

Since R U OK? commenced in 2009 by Gavin Larkin, after the suicide of his father, the organisation has worked to reduce the stigma surrounding the topic of suicide and encouraged people to have conversations that could save a life.

The official national day is now held annually on the second Thursday of September, serving as a reminder to check in with loved ones not only on R U OK? Day but each and every day.

*Suicide Prevention Australia quotes figures sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

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