Rail R U OK? Day 2020

• Coleman Rail’s General Manager Sean Bonham reflects on Rail R U OK? Day during these unusual and challenging times…

With the current COVID-19 pandemic gripping the globe, the focus on both physical and mental health has never been so important. Social distancing and self-isolation are currently, for most, the day-to-day routine so there are many in these challenging times who may not be feeling OK.  Now, more than ever with situation normal not being so normal we need to reach out, with whatever means or device available, to friends, workmates and family and ask the question – are you ok? And listen to the answer.

Last year Coleman Rail launched the Blue Boots campaign, an initiative to encourage everyone to start a conversation to help yourself, a workmate or a friend if things just don’t seem to be OK. For every pair of Blue Boots purchased by Coleman Rail, we made a donation of $10 to Beyond Blue. The resources and support provided by organisations such as Beyond Blue and our own EAP are fully endorsed and supported by management to assist employees and their families who need help in maintaining their mental health and the mental health of others.

April 30 is Rail R U OK? Day, an annual industry-wide event designed to inspire rail staff across Australia and New Zealand to look out for one another during life's challenging times. April 30, 2020 will be like no other Rail R U OK? Day to date, however for me one thing won’t change. I’ll be wearing my Blue Boots like I do every day. Make sure you’ve got yours.

Join us in stepping forward for mental health by grabbing your own pair of blue boots here.