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, from the Top End to Tasmania, will come together to champion the Ask R U OK? Any Day message and encourage meaningful conversations throughout the year.
R U OK? chief executive Katherine Newton said R U OK? started as a National Day of Action, but it’s grown into a conversation movement.
“People are acknowledging that you should not wait until R U OK? Day to have this conversation,” she said.
“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 research 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 did not 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,” Ms Newton said.
“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.”
