R U OK? It's never a bad time to ask
You don't have to be an expert to have an R U OK? conversation. We all have what it takes to ask, listen, and support one another.
When was the last time you asked someone if they were OK? While we've come a long way in terms of openness and advocacy around mental health, R U OK? research shows four in ten Australians feel like asking someone “are you OK?” is a conversation better had with an expert.
R U OK? Day this Thursday 14 September reminds us that we don’t need to be an expert to have an R U OK? conversation – we can simply let the people we care about know we are here to hear. We all have what it takes to ask, listen and support one another in life’s ups and downs.
But checking in with others, even a close friend, can still feel like a daunting task, so R U OK? have developed four simple steps to help Australians have meaningful R U OK? conversations:
- Ask
- Listen
- Encourage action
- Check in
In recognition of R U OK? Day, the University and R U OK? are hosting several events on Thursday 8 September:
| Event - activity | Time | Registration |
|---|---|---|
R U OK? Virtual Event R U OK? wants to remind Australians they already have what it takes to support their family, friends and colleagues. You don’t need to be an expert to have an R U OK? conversation. Listening and giving someone your time might be just what they need to help them through. Tune into the online event to learn when and how to ask R U OK?, so you can have a conversation that could change a life. |
12:00pm-12:30pm | Register via Eventbrite |
R U OK? Day x Therapaws Need some paws-itivity? Join FASS Student Partners and staff for Therapaws, an in-person event on Eastern Avenue that aims to encourage students and staff to connect with one another and strike up conversations about mental health and wellbeing. |
12:00pm-2:00pm | Find out more |
R U OK? Day Coffee & Croissants Take a break from study and practice self-care by joining the Library Peer Learning Advisors for coffee and croissants next to the Susan Wakill Health Building Library Information Desk with plenty of tea, coffee and treats to keep you motivated for your day! |
11:00am-12:00pm | Register via the Library |
R U Ready to med-tea-tate with kindness? Join RAKSOC, YogaSoc and TEASOC from at the International Student Lounge in Wentworth building to unwind and take part in a two-part yoga session and tea gathering. |
3:00pm-5:00pm | Register via GoogleDocs |
The University is here to support you. For 24/7 access to free resources and support, visit Innowell. If you're an international student, you can access free support via Sonder. For online peer to peer mental health and wellbeing support, download the TalkCampus app.
For further support and resources visit the R U OK? Day website.
