R U OK?Day – 12 Sep 2019

Thursday 12 September is R U OK?Day – a day when we’re reminded to ask, “Are you OK?” and and to remember every day of the year to support people who may be struggling with life’s ups and downs.

We know that regular meaningful conversations can make a difference. And you don’t have to be an expert to ask how someone’s going. Just a great mate and a good listener.

This year in the build-up to R U OK?Day we’re shining a light on the times we should be asking our friends, loved ones and members of our community this important question. We want everyone in our community to know that if something’s up with someone you know – there’s something going on in their life or you notice a change in what they’re doing or saying – it’s time to trust that gut instinct and ask them “Are you OK?”

To spread this message, we’ll be running the following announcements between now and 1st October 2019.

R U OK? is a national charity dedicated to inspiring all of us to have regular, meaningful conversations to support anyone struggling with life.

R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton says what people are saying, what they are doing and what’s going on in their life can provided signs as to whether they need support . 

“We know the majority of Australians believe talking to someone who’s struggling can make a difference. But what we’re hearing, is that people aren’t sure when is the right time to have an
R U OK? conversation,” said Ms Newton.

“Signs can be subtle changes in verbal or non-verbal behaviour. You might spot a love one is having unusual mood swings, changes in sleep, or a mate might be withdrawing from social situations like not turning up to sport training. 

“We’re encouraging people to look out for those cues,” said Ms Newton. “We should also make a conscious effort to reach out to someone going through a significant life change such as job loss, relationship breakdown, study pressure or perhaps becoming a parent.”

“This R U OK?Day, we want to empower people to trust their gut instinct and ask the question as soon as they spot the signs that someone might be struggling with life.”

Importantly each event on the ‘Trust the Signs Tour’ involved mental health, volunteer and suicide prevention organisations connecting with local communities to highlight the support services available to them when an R U OK? conversation is too big for friends and family alone.

R U OK? Ambassadors, including Barry Du Bois, Travis Collins, Barry Conrad, Tom Derickx, Casey Donovan, Bianca Dye, Chris Green, Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins, Rachel Lynch, Miguel Maestre, Ben Ross, Steve Bastoni and Steve ‘Commando’ Willis, have thrown their support behind the ‘Trust the Signs Tour’.

R U OK? is encouraging all Australians to learn the signs, download a practical toolkit and have regular meaningful conversations across their communities. More information on how to get involved can be found at ruok.org.au 

For support at any time of the day or night, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

You can learn more about the signs and how to ask R U OK? at www.ruok.org.au

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