Since 2009, R U Ok Day has promoted the power of simple conversation to create meaningful connections with the 1 in 2 Australians who suffer from depression and anxiety.

Riverina R U OK Day Community Ambassador, Karen Snaidero has been involved with the cause for the past 10 years and encouraged community members to get involved and onboard.

"You don't need to be an expert in mental health, just a good friend and a great listener," Mrs Snaidero said.

"Don't underestimate the power of a simple conversation to change someone's life."

Regional communities in particular are in need of these potentially 'life saving' conversations', with acute mental health services in high demand.

"R U OK Day and the conversations it hopes to inspire, sits in the early intervention space for mental health support," Mrs Snaidero said.

"By removing the stigma surrounding mental health and supporting one another by asking R U Ok not just today but everyday, we hopefully won't need the acute services that are somewhat stretched in the regions going forward."

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And whilst lockdown may separate the community, Mrs Snaidero said that there were still plenty of ways to support one another from afar this R U Ok Day.

"We are hoping the community can get onboard with our virtual event, we have a QR code that people can use to showcase their random acts of kindness on the day," Mrs Snaidero said.

"Conversations are important all the time, now more than ever and we hope that these conversations continue well and truly beyond just R U Ok Day and occur throughout the year."

According to Mrs Snaidero, even thought there is a long way to go in terms of breaking the stigma surrounding conversations about mental health, the response from the Riverina community had been 'heartwarming'.

"To see this cause evolve as a Community Ambassador has been amazing, it gives me goosebumps and warms my heart that the message is being shared."

"You should be able to ask the question every day, R U Ok?"

For information about R U Ok Day can be found here.

To join in on the Riverina R U OK Day virtual event, scan the QR code below!

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