WHAT IS R U OK?Day?

R U OK?Day will be held on November 29th, 2009. It is an annual national day of action that aims to get Australians, right across the entire spectrum of society, connecting with friends and loved ones, by reaching out to anyone doing it tough and simply asking: “Are you ok?”

Why start a conversation? Research shows talking about suicide with someone at risk actually reduces the chances of them taking their life. It is the one thing we can all do to make a real difference. R U OK?Day is about prevention, preventing little problems turning into big problems. So it is not just about asking those at immediate risk.

Connection is a crucial part of general health and well being to help in coping with issues such as stressful life events, mental health problems, relationship breakdowns and bereavement.

Staying connected and ensuring your colleagues, friends and loved ones do so as well is as simple as having regular, meaningful, conversations. So every day can be R U OK?Day.

This year on November 29th, all of Australia will be encouraged to ask someone they care about: “Are you ok?” And, if they are, the worst that can happen is they will know you care about them…but if they are not, that conversation could change a life.

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What is R U OK?

R U OK? is an organisation committed to the prevention of suicide. We want to inspire all Australians to recognise they can make an immediate impact on our country’s shockingly high suicide rate by simply connecting with their friends, colleagues and loved ones. A lack of connection is a major contributing cause of many social issues, particularly suicide.

Suicide claims the lives of more Australians each year than the road toll – over 2000 people every year (Source: ABS 2007 statistics). It is the biggest killer of men and women 15-35 years old. For every person who takes their own life, it is estimated that up to 10 people make an attempt. That means each year approximately 20,000 people are directly effected.

Most people do not openly share their feelings, particularly when they are struggling, so do not wait for a sign – trust your instincts. A conversation could change a life. The best thing you can do is regularly ask the people you care about: “Are you ok?” regardless of whether they are at risk or not. Connection is good for us all.

R U OK? Launch Video

Origin:

We were inspired to initiate R U OK? by the death of Barry Larkin.
Barry Larkin (1940 – 1995) was a fascinating, successful, business management consultant that sadly became another statistic of our country’s shockingly high suicide rate. Fourteen years later, his three sons - inspired by his memory – decided to initiate a national suicide awareness initiative.
R U OK?Day aims to encourage ordinary Australians, like themselves, to come together and support each other in a bid to tackle this silent killer, by promoting connection at every level of Australian society.

Dedication:

R U OK? is dedicated to Baz Larkin, and all other people in Australia and around the world who have taken their own lives. And to the family and friends who loved them.

Special Thanks:

R U OK? would like to specially thank a number of businesses whose support, backing and countless man-hours have helped make R U OK? possible