Coles distribution centres around Australia have held R U OKAY Day in Trucks and Sheds events in a bid to build a positive mental health culture for workers in the road transport, warehousing and logistics industries.

A joint initiative between Coles, R U OK and Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds, events were held at each Coles Distribution Centre, with the occasion tailored to their teams, offering advice and support to encourage people to know when and how to meaningfully connect and genuinely ask: “are you OK?”.

Onsite activities included R U OK ambassador speeches, toolbox talks and the promotion of the preventative services of the Employee Assistance Program which strives to improve the mental health skill set of team members.

“We know the transport, warehousing and logistics industries have unique and at times complex risk factors for mental health,” Coles chief legal and safety officer David Brewster said.

“All industry participants, including Coles, need to actively collaborate to reduce mental health stigma, improve mental health literacy and ultimately improve health outcomes in this critical sector. We recognise that a conversation can truly change a life and this is what today is all about, connection, checking in and encouraging help seeking behaviours.”

Coles Supply Chain is a founding partner of Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds. The not-for-profit foundation was created with the aim to create a holistic approach to improve both physical and mental health outcomes across the road transport, warehousing and logistics industries in Australia.