“Be a mate, it’s worth it” stories target apprentices facing challenges

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Above: Thomas Eyre supports the need to reach out to others when facing life challenges. Image courtesy R U OK

R U OK? is a charity and registered public health promotion that aims to inspire and empower people to meaningfully connect with friends, family and colleagues who might be struggling with life. Specifically it works to prevent suicide and foster relationships that can support others.

Young workers have highlighted the life changing role played by their mates in a series of personal stories with R U OK? The case studies reinforce the call for young trainees and apprentices to ‘Be a mate, it’s worth it’, because when we’re going through tough times, mates are often best placed to understand and lend support. 

Thomas Eyre, a former apprentice fitter machinist, says his apprenticeship was a challenging time. “During my apprenticeship, my mental health started to decline. It had a massive impact on how I felt,” said Mr Eyre. “I started isolating myself and stopped reaching out to mates.”

“When you have people checking in, it encourages you to open up,” Thomas said. “I received the best support from people who asked, ‘what’s wrong?’ and then truly listened. You don’t have to offer much advice; just be that ear they can talk to. Talking through it really helps.”

Thomas says he wants everyone to understand how important it is to reach out to your mates.

“It’s daunting to ask for help, and a lot of the time, we don’t do it. So, you’ve got to be the one to reach out and ask, ‘are you OK?’, he explained. “It’s important to have those conversations regularly because we might face a challenging time any day of the year. You can be a supportive mate just by checking in - send a message, grab a coffee, or go for a run together.”

The impact on their mental health is one of the leading reasons apprentices and trainees do not finish their apprenticeships, often due to challenging working conditions, poor pay, or bullying2.

“Research shows that being an apprentice or trainee can be challenging for young people who are learning to transition from the classroom to the workplace,” said Katherine Newton, R U OK? CEO. “This, combined with life’s usual ups and downs, can have a cumulative effect on mental health and their sense of social connection.”

“R U OK? are encouraging apprentices and trainees to build and maintain strong friendships they can rely on as they move through life, to ensure they feel connected and supported. ‘Be a mate, it’s worth it’ is about being there for your mates, and knowing they'll be there for you too.”

Learn more at https://www.ruok.org.au

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