Coasters and the ART of a helpful conversation

Pubs and clubs across the Riverina are delivering a lifesaving message with their beer after joining forces with mental health advocates Riverina Bluebell.

Darren Sweeney is on the board of the not-for-profit community organisation and said it’s been a huge logistical operation with the Australian Hotels Association and TransGrid delivering coasters with a mental health message and a QR code linking to their website.

“We’ve been able to get about 100,000 coasters out across about 110 pubs in the Riverina,” he explained.

The message on the coaster reads, “How are you REALLY going?” and Darren hopes it will trigger an important conversation.

“If you’re sitting in the pub and you recognise your mate’s not exactly doing too good, this is just a little coaster that might just help to initiate a chat with someone that you know is struggling.

“And there are people that sometimes go to the pub because they are lonely, and they might need someone to walk up and say, ‘mate, how are you going?’

“There’s a little tip sheet on the back of the coaster, and you can scan the QR code that’ll take you straight through to the Riverina Bluebell website.”

Riverina Bluebell is a local volunteer organisation that takes its name from the infamous invasive plant species, also known as Paterson’s Curse.

Given the battle farmers endure to rid the weed from their paddocks, the name reflects the mental health struggles of those on the land.

They encourage local community members to share their stories to build awareness of mental health issues and shake the stigma surrounding them.

They also provide information on the avenues for support available.

“Over the last 10 years, we’ve raised nearly a million dollars that we put back into the Riverina and into frontline mental health initiatives,” Darren said.

“People are very reluctant to come forward when they’re struggling. They’ll try to deny and don’t recognise that their actions are compounded by these mental health issues.”

He said getting people to talk to a friend or family member is the starting point and the coasters contain a handy acronym to help.

“Having a helpful conversation is ART,” Darren said, pointing to the message on the back.

“ART represents Acknowledgement of the problem – you’ll never regret doing too much. Reach Out to a person’s family or friends to alert them to your concerns and Take Action to connect to professional help.”

With tens of thousands of coasters already on bars and tables across the region, Darren is hopeful that people will start talking and take a look at their website.

“This is just our bit to guide people through a tricky time. If we save just one life, then it’s all worth it!”‘

For more information about mental health services in the Riverina, and the ‘How are you really going?’ campaign, visit Riverina Bluebell.

Mental health support is available through Lifeline 13 11 14, Kids Helpline 1800 55 180 and Accessline Murrumbidgee 1800 800 944. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000.