Kalgoorlie business owner hosts R U OK? event after losing two close friends to suicide

Having lost two close friends to suicide in six days, a local business owner is offering a safe space for anyone who — like herself — may not be OK this R U OK? Day. Red Edge Events is hosting a morning tea at the Hannans Club from 10am on Thursday to encourage connection and conversation over tea and treats. It’s a cause particularly close to the heart of director Karlee Andrzejeski, who admits she is not OK after having a “pretty s...” 2024. Last month she lost two close friends to suicide within a week of each other, and in January she suddenly lost a friend who she later discovered had her own mental health issues, and two days later lost her pop. “For me, I’m hosting the day because I’ve lost two friends so recently and am I OK? No. But I’m a strong person and I think I can handle things, but other people might be even less OK,” she said. “I really want to push people to not just ask ‘are you OK’ to be polite, but do it because they genuinely care, and be prepared that someone may not be OK. “If they turn around and say no, they’re not OK, that person needs to be prepared to keep the conversation going and say ‘have you thought about this support service’ or ‘do you want me to listen’. “There is nothing worse than the person who asks just sitting there staring at them when they say they are not OK. “For someone to say no, they’re not OK, they have to be at a certain point . . . they may really need help, need a hug or need a chat.” Ms Andrzejeski said it was important people made themselves accountable and checked on friends, loved ones and colleagues regularly, not just once. “This morning tea isn’t just about starting the conversation, it’s about keeping it going all year around,” she said. The morning tea will see a guest speech by licensed mental health first-aid instructor Lee Jacobson from Regional Counselling Services, and coffee provided by Mates 4 Mates Goldfields-Esperance. Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 224 636