R U OK? Day is held annually on the second Thursday of September, which encourages Australians to connect with people who have emotional insecurity, addressing social isolation and promote community cohesiveness. R U OK? is an Australian non-profit suicide prevention organisation, founded by advertiser Gavin Larkin in 2009. It revolves around the slogan “R U OK?” (are you okay?), and advocates for people to have conversations with others.
R U OK? works collaboratively with experts in suicide prevention and mental illness as well as government departments, corporate leaders, teachers, universities, students, and community groups. Its activities also align with the Australian Government’s LIFE Framework.
This year RU OK? are asking all Australians to consider how the people in their world are really going. Life’s ups and downs happen to all of us. So, chances are someone you know might be struggling. Your genuine support can make a difference whatever they are facing, big or small. So, don’t wait until someone’s visibly distressed or in crisis. Make a moment meaningful and ask them how they’re really going. ‘Are they really OK? Ask them today. Your conversation could change a life.
R U OK? has developed FREE resources to help you encourage everyone in your school, workplace, and community to think about who in their world might need to be asked how they’re really going and how to make a moment meaningful by asking “are you OK?”
Visit ruok.org.au to download the free conversation guide.
Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:
1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen
3. Encourage action
4. Check in