Check in with family, friends and those struggling with life by checking on their well-being on national RU OK Day on Thursday 12 September 2024. You don’t need to be an expert to reach out and ask someone, ‘are you OK?’

When we genuinely ask, ‘are you OK?’ and are prepared to talk about how they’re feeling and what’s going on in their life we can help someone who might be struggling feel connected and supported, long before they’re in crisis. Try and make time for regular chats about life’s ups and downs so you can build trust. That way when someone is struggling, they’ll know you care and will feel comfortable opening up to you. This way, we can make ‘are you OK?’ a part of our everyday.

It helps to choose the right time and place for a meaningful conversation, this might be

• When exercising together
• When connecting or doing activities together online
• When you’re doing an activity side-by-side
• When you’re sharing a meal
• When you’re travelling in the car together.

Some conversations are too big for family and friends to take on alone. If someone’s been really low for more than 2 weeks, or is at risk, if you need professional support, please contact your doctor, local health centre or one of the services listed below.

Lifeline:   Ph: 13 11 14    

Kids Helpline:   Ph: 1800 55 1800

Suicide Call Back Service:   Ph:  1300 659 467

1300 MH CALL: Link to mental health services within your region

13YARN Ph: 139276

If life is in danger, call Triple Zero:  Ph: 000

For more information and resources, please visit https://www.ruok.org.au