Konnect: R U OK? creates app to increase moments of joy and connection in time for World Happiness Day

hello • 20 March 2018

Encouraging people to spend more time with their friends and family is the driving-force behind a new tool developed by suicide prevention charity R U OK? and funded by Virgin Mobile Australia.


The mobile app, ‘Konnect’, was developed in response to an R U OK? national survey that revealed around half of Australians spend two hours or less of their weekly downtime connecting with the people who matter to them. A concerning fact according to the world’s longest study of happiness, the Harvard Study of Adult Development. The study illustrates that by embracing community and investing in our relationships helps us live longer, and be happier.


In a 2017 Harvard Gazette article, Robert Waldinger Director of the study, a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School said, “The surprising finding (of the study) is that our relationships and how happy we are in our relationships has a powerful influence on our health,
“Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too. That, I think, is the revelation.”

R U OK? CEO Brendan Maher said the motivation behind the app was the need to get more people connecting and starting conversations with a simple tool that could be referred to at any time.

“In today’s world, mobile devices are a key platform to increase connections with most of us having a device at hand every day of the year.
“This app serves as a reminder of the many ways in which we can spend more time with those who matter to us, any day of the year, and check in when they’re struggling with life.

“The app challenges people to connect with their family and friends in new and different ways. R U OK?’s Conversation Partner, Virgin Mobile were the perfect business to join forces with to launch the new app – encouraging people to use their mobile phones as a force for good.

“We encourage those who are searching for ways to strengthen their relationships and support loves one’s through tough times to consider the app for ideas on how to be more ‘Konnected’ than ever before,” said Brendan.


The app is suitable for all ages and incorporates an interactive element in which it challenges the user to accept ways of connecting with others. The examples provided, such as ‘Back in touch’, ‘Walkie talkie’ and ‘Food + Friends’, are a perfect way to create more moments of happiness and genuine connections through practical actions they can take to offer support when it’s needed.

R U OK? Campaign Director Katherine Newton said the aim of the app is to encourage users to invest more time in their relationships and learn R U OK?’s four conversation steps: Ask R U OK?, Listen, Encourage action and Check in.

“We want more people to stay connected and have regular R U OK? conversations,” Katherine said. “Konnect can help people proactively reach out to the people in their world and maintain stronger relationships. When our relationships are strong we’re more likely to see the signs someone is struggling with life, and have the trust and confidence to start a conversation with that person.”

Users can download the app from konnect.ruok.org.au

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

R U OK?

R U OK? is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life. R U OK?Day is a national day of action, held on the second Thursday of September each year. But every day is the day to start a conversation. Conversation tips and crisis numbers can be found at ruok.org.au

Virgin Mobile Australia is R U OK?’s Conversation Partner.

More information on the International Day of Happiness:
Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness as a way to recognise the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world

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After ten years of teamwork, partnerships, growth, and countless conversations, I will be stepping down as CEO from 1 December 2025. It has been an extraordinary privilege to contribute to the growth of this movement and to witness meaningful change before my eyes. Gavin Larkin founded R U OK? because he believed conversation has the power to change lives. One seemingly simple question, when asked with genuine intent and care, can start a meaningful and sometimes complex conversation. And that’s what Gavin wanted. For people to look beyond responses of “I’m fine” or “All good” and ask, “Are you really OK?”. The notion of going deeper with conversations, of asking a second time, of trusting our guts and moving past our hesitation - is being grasped and moving beyond one day to any day. Whilst saying “G’day how are you?” will always be a greeting - we can do more. When Gavin lost his father to suicide he wanted to try and protect other families from the pain his endured. He wanted to get people talking and having real chats about how they’re feeling with their mates, their family and their colleagues. In locker rooms, lunch rooms, and lounge rooms across the nation. But he approached it from a different angle. Gavin wanted all of us to have the confidence to support the people we care about who might be struggling with life. To make conversations a natural part of our behaviour, to openly show our signals of support. So as R U OK? generations continue to evolve, my chapter is coming to a close. How fortunate I am to have been part of the story. From hesitant glances during presentations in 2015 to queues of people waiting for a conversation in 2025. From yellow wigs in the office, to welcoming yellow-swathed Ambassadors to share their lived experience. From yellow coffee cups in a café, to yellow cars driving into communities nationwide. And yes, there’s been a few cupcakes along the way. Social change is happening, and we are all a part of it. No one organisation can prevent suicide, no one individual can save everyone - but the power of many can make a difference.
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