R U OK? Day is a suicide prevention and mental health initiative.
This September 11, Australians are encouraged to commit to initiative and start meaningful conversations with family, friends, and colleagues. There are four simple steps, known as ALEC:
- Ask R U OK?
- Listen
- Encourage action
- Check in
The R U OK organisation has found that through research that those who are asked ‘are you OK?’ regularly report increased feelings of wellbeing. R U OK? Day is a chance to combat isolation and poor mental health.
R U OK? was founded by Gavin Larkin in 2009, after his father died by suicide. Gavin didn’t want anyone to feel like suicide was their only option. Today, there are more than 100 volunteer ambassadors across Australia working to carry on that mission.
Kate Taylor, a Mosman local, has been an R U OK? Community Ambassador since 2017.
At the age of 15, Kate attempted to take her own life, feeling like a burden to others. After years of healing and building her business, Kate finally felt confident enough to start sharing her story to curb the growing number of young people losing their life to suicide. Suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 44.
‘Nine Australians die by suicide every day, and more than 65,000 make an attempt each year,’ says Kate. ‘I felt that my story and showing that there are better days ahead could give others hope.’
Kate always knew she wanted to volunteer for a mental health charity. She chose R U OK? because of its focus on early intervention, and how the slogan “a conversation can change a life” resonated with her.
‘This year’s theme is about asking, “Are you OK?” any day of the year. We want people to remember that meaningful conversations can and should happen every day. A simple, genuine check-in could change — or even save — a life.’
