Australia’s largest handyman franchise, Hire A Hubby, is uniting its local franchisees on Thursday 13 September to raise awareness for National R U OK? Day in a bid to encourage hubbies to ‘check in’ with those around them. Local psychologist, Sarah Hall will be discussing warning signs at Hire A Hubby’s local cell group for hubbies.
With an average of eight people per day dying from suicide in Australia, R U OK? Day is based on the idea that a conversation can save a life. According to Sarah Hall, suicide remains a massive health issue and one we need to continue to have an open conversation about.
Local hubby, Grant Carr, from Hoppers Crossing, who was recently awarded Most Valuable Franchisee because of the mentoring he provides new hubbies, is very passionate to get behind this cause.
“For the past five years Hire A Hubby has supported The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Prostate cancer awareness is aligned to our values, and sadly is also an issue some hubbies have had to face. We know when men receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, it can cause shock and depression. For this reason we really wanted to get behind R U OK? Day this year to ensure our hubbies are supported with whatever issue they may be facing. We have brought Sarah to talk to our guys about some of the warning signs,” says Carr.
As a trained psychologist Sarah Hall is used to having open discussions with clients about their struggles and level of risk. She highlights four warning signs people need to look out for:
Change in physical appearance. Check to see if those around you look tired, appear flat, are constantly run down, have constant headaches, eat more or less than usual, react more emotionally than the situation warrants, are quick to anger or seem overwhelmed by tasks that would previously be manageable.
Changes in mood: Check to see if those close to you seem more irritable or snappy than usual, appear more anxious or worried about everything, are using alcohol or other drugs more than usual or are more nervous than usual.
Changes in how thoughts are expressed: Check to see if those around you struggle to see the positive side, seem to think the worst, over-personalise situations, say things that sound confused or irrational, or complain of having difficulty switching off.
Changes in behaviour: Check to see if those around you seem more withdrawn than usual, have less pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, have concentration difficulties, take on more work to avoid socialising or are not performing to usual standards.
“While life will always have its ups and downs and stressful events, creating more of a sense of connection within society could help people deal with these difficult times and avoid suicide risk. Given that men are stereotypically less likely to engage in these types of discussions, it’s fantastic to see the predominantly male Hire A Hubby team getting behind this initiative,’ says Hall.
To learn more go to www.ruok.org.au
About Hire a Hubby
The idea for Hire A Hubby was born back in 1996, when the founder was doing some handyman work in his lounge room and his wife’s friend quipped, “gee he’s handy, can I hire your hubby?” 22 years later, Hire A Hubby is Australia’s largest handyman business. With 375 franchises in Australia and the UK, Hire A Hubby provides handyman, home maintenance and trades work services for individuals and companies throughout Australia and the UK.
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