R U OK? Day is on Thursday 12 September 2024. This national day of action empowers everyone to meaningfully connect with those around them and support anyone struggling. Every day is the day to ask ‘”are you OK?”.

We all have a collective responsibility to stay connected and break down the stigma of mental health.

Getting involved

Whether or not you attended an event online or in person, taking part in R U OK? Day can be as simple as following these 4 steps:

1. When you ASK a workmate R U OK?, make sure you're ready and have to time to genuinely listen. Choose a time and place that is comfortable for both of you. If they're not ready to talk, let them know they can talk to you whenever they're ready.
2. LISTEN to what they're saying. Don't interrupt or rush, be patient while they think and acknowledge that things seem tough. Repeating back what you've heard in your own words and asking if you've understood them properly can show you are listening and care for them.
3. ENCOURAGE ACTION by asking, "How can I support you?" or "When I was going through a hard time, I did this…. It might help you, too". Sometimes, the conversation might be too big for you to help on your own. If your workmate has been struggling for more than two weeks, encourage them to see their GP or another health professional.
4. Remember to CHECK IN – stay in touch and be there for them. Genuine care and concern can make a real difference.

Find out more on the R U OK? website.

'Are they Triple OK?' campaign

A nationwide study by Beyond Blue, Answering the Call, found police and emergency services personnel report suicidal thoughts more than twice as often as adults in the general population. However, personnel who had higher levels of social support and resilience reported lower levels of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Use these resources to support others who are having a tough time:

• How to ask: R U OK (PDF, 142 KB)
• Triple OK conversation guide (PDF, 5.21 MB)
• Visit the R U Triple OK website

Looking out for each other

Commissioner Greg Leach and CEO Ambulance Victoria Tony Walker discuss the importance of reaching out to ask, “Are you okay?”.