Today, on their National Day of Action, R U OK? are calling on all Australians to ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day.
Thousands of community groups, workplaces, schools, suicide prevention networks, and sports clubs across the nation will come together to champion the Ask R U OK? Any Day message and encourage meaningful conversations throughout the year.
“R U OK? started as a National Day of Action, but it’s grown into a conversation movement,” said Katherine Newton, R U OK? CEO.
“People are acknowledging that you shouldn’t wait until R U OK?Day to have this conversation. Asking R U OK? Any Day can help ensure the people you care about feel supported and connected.”
The Ask R U OK? Any Day message comes as new research1 reveals a disconnect between a primary barrier to initiating R U OK? conversations, and how people feel on the receiving end of a supportive R U OK? conversation.
For those who noticed someone struggling but did not reach out, 31% said it was because they didn’t want to invade their privacy. However, only 4% of those regularly asked, ‘Are you OK?’ felt the question was an invasion of privacy.
“We want to reassure Australians that asking R U OK? makes the people in our world feel supported, grateful, and genuinely cared about,” said Ms Newton.
“When we have strong relationships and know someone well, there is already an element of trust. That’s where asking, ‘Are you OK?’ comes through with sincerity.
“We can build confidence to have R U OK? conversations by making it a regular everyday behaviour.” Concerns about invasion of privacy increased to almost half (47%) when respondents felt the person struggling might be experiencing financial stress.
“Asking R U OK? is an invitation to open up. It’s about asking your way, that makes sense to your friendship,” said R U OK? ambassador Ms Al-Maliki.
“Be mindful of who else is around and how long you have to chat. If you make that space, it’s not an invasion of privacy because the person being asked has the choice if they want to share or not.”
R U OK? resources are available to support friends, family, and colleagues as they navigate the ups and downs of life. Free resources are available for preschool, primary, secondary, and tertiary education settings, trainees and apprentices, workplaces, sporting communities, and senior Australians to help everyone stay connected.
R U OK? also provides free resources for specific communities such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, members of the LGBTIQ+ community and their allies, and those who are neurodiverse to ensure tailored approaches are relevant and easily accessed.
Find more information and resources on the website: https://www.ruok.org.au/
Top image: The R U OK? Convoy in Gunnedah at AgQuip (supplied).
If you need help or are upset by this story, please seek support.
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