Growing together in gratitude and wellbeing
19/09/2024
The Armadale Kalamunda Group (AKG) came together recently to celebrate R U OK? Day, a national initiative aimed at encouraging people to check in on those around them and spark conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
The event featured an inviting display in the Armadale Health Service (AHS) foyer, where staff and visitors could pick up resources, enjoy some goodies and even write a note of thanks to pin on the Gratitude Tree.
A collaborative effort between AKG Wellbeing Facilitator Karen Gray, Work Health and Safety (WHS) Consultant Julia Ward and Mental Health Senior Development Nurse Joseph Hranghluan, the activities offered an important opportunity for connection and reflection.
"R U OK? Day is a reminder to everyone to check in with others – to keep an eye on each other and notice when someone seems unusually quiet or behaving in ways that are out of character,” Karen said.
“It’s about fostering awareness and encouraging conversations that might help someone who is struggling."
The conversations and interactions with people who contributed to the Gratitude Tree formed an especially meaningful part of the day.
"It was wonderful to see people reflecting on the things they were grateful for," Karen shared.
"It was also a chance to talk about the importance of practising gratitude and focusing on the positive aspects of life, even in challenging times."
Encouraged and inspired by the fantastic engagement by the event last week, the team is already thinking about how they can ramp up things for 2025.
“Next year, we plan to prepare earlier and after seeing the impressive Sepsis Week display in the foyer, we definitely have some new ideas,” Karen laughed, referring to the Sepsis team’s remarkable display which had stood just next to theirs and led to a fun “battle of the stalls”.
A key takeaway from the AKG R U OK? Day event was the realisation that many people find it difficult to know how to respond if someone says they are “not okay”.
That can be hard, and it can put people off asking the question.
“When we’re feeling low, we often just need someone to listen without trying to fix things,” Karen explained.
“You don’t need to have all the answers to ask if someone is okay – just a pair of willing ears and maybe an offer to help them find more support.
"If at any time you feel you need support, remember that AKG Staff Wellbeing is here for a confidential conversation,” Karen concluded.
For those seeking further support, AKG provides several resources:
The event featured an inviting display in the Armadale Health Service (AHS) foyer, where staff and visitors could pick up resources, enjoy some goodies and even write a note of thanks to pin on the Gratitude Tree.
A collaborative effort between AKG Wellbeing Facilitator Karen Gray, Work Health and Safety (WHS) Consultant Julia Ward and Mental Health Senior Development Nurse Joseph Hranghluan, the activities offered an important opportunity for connection and reflection.
"R U OK? Day is a reminder to everyone to check in with others – to keep an eye on each other and notice when someone seems unusually quiet or behaving in ways that are out of character,” Karen said.
“It’s about fostering awareness and encouraging conversations that might help someone who is struggling."
The conversations and interactions with people who contributed to the Gratitude Tree formed an especially meaningful part of the day.
"It was wonderful to see people reflecting on the things they were grateful for," Karen shared.
"It was also a chance to talk about the importance of practising gratitude and focusing on the positive aspects of life, even in challenging times."
Encouraged and inspired by the fantastic engagement by the event last week, the team is already thinking about how they can ramp up things for 2025.
“Next year, we plan to prepare earlier and after seeing the impressive Sepsis Week display in the foyer, we definitely have some new ideas,” Karen laughed, referring to the Sepsis team’s remarkable display which had stood just next to theirs and led to a fun “battle of the stalls”.
A key takeaway from the AKG R U OK? Day event was the realisation that many people find it difficult to know how to respond if someone says they are “not okay”.
That can be hard, and it can put people off asking the question.
“When we’re feeling low, we often just need someone to listen without trying to fix things,” Karen explained.
“You don’t need to have all the answers to ask if someone is okay – just a pair of willing ears and maybe an offer to help them find more support.
"If at any time you feel you need support, remember that AKG Staff Wellbeing is here for a confidential conversation,” Karen concluded.
For those seeking further support, AKG provides several resources:
Staff Wellbeing
On-site Monday to Thursday
0487 099 935
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
1300 307 912
Complete an online booking request by clicking here.
Click here to access the EAP hub page for more information.
Last Updated:
22/07/2025