Looking out for your mates this Men's Health Week

hello • 4 June 2025


Men’s Health Week (June 9-15) is a time to pause and reflect on the health challenges facing the men in our lives.


Male life expectancy is, on average, four years shorter and they  are more likely to suffer from lifestyle-related health conditions than women of the same age.  Sadly, men also have a four times higher risk of dying by suicide*.


On top of this, research has revealed that two thirds of men who are struggling or in crisis, don’t feel confident and empowered enough to ask for help^. That’s why this Men’s Health Week we are encouraging everyone to look out for the signs that a man in their life - a husband, partner, father, brother, colleague, teammate or gym buddy – is struggling, and to reach out and ask "Are you OK?".


Some of the signs to look out for include:


 

  • Are they becoming withdrawn?
  • Have they experienced big changes in their personal or professional life?
  • Are they confused, irrational or moody?
  • Have they lost interest in what they used to love?
  • Are they experiencing health issues?

 

If you are concerned about someone, trust your gut and ask “Are you OK?”. Listen with an open mind to what they have to say and ask them what you can do to help. 


For more detailed information about the signs someone might be struggling and how to have an R U OK? conversation visit our How to Ask page.


If a conversation is too big for you or you need additional support, visit our Find Help page .


In the words of R U OK?  founder Gavin Larkin, “Getting connected and staying connected is the best thing any of us can do both for ourselves and anybody who may be at risk. That said, it’s not just about those at risk, we want everybody in Australia right across the spectrum of society to reach out to the people in their lives that they care about and essentially let them know that they do care by asking R U OK?” 


If you're worried about a man in your life this Men’s Health Week or any week, we urge you to stay connected and ask, “Are you OK?”.


(* source: ABS, Ten to Men: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health, Men’s Health Week)

(^source: BeyondBlue)

2025 with R U OK?

11 December 2025
This year, Australians continued to grow their confidence and capability to ask, 'are you OK?' any day of the year - reminding us how real connection and meaningful conversations can happen in the most ordinary, everyday moments. Across every age and stage of life, people helped normalise these important check-ins by looking out for one another, reducing stigma, and driving genuine change. Thanks to our supporters, awareness continues to expand in schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, and communities in every corner of Australia. Thank you to everyone who started conversations, and to everyone who supported the mission and work of R U OK?. Below is a short video which shares a glimpse of the activity made possible through collaboration. *Voice-over by former-CEO, Katherine Newton.

Connecting generations through conversation and storytelling

10 December 2025
From growing up on farms to a shared interest in history, Australians, young and old, are discovering just how much they have in common, and how storytelling can connect generations in unexpected ways. What’s bringing them together is 'Heart and Soul Story', a social enterprise that fosters intergenerational connections. Through its programs, young people and older generations come together in aged care homes and schools to share stories, build life skills, and prevent loneliness. At a recent session which encouraged everyone to Ask R U OK? Any Day, students visited an aged-care community with R U OK? Conversation Bingo cards, which feature prompts to spark humour, curiosity, and connection.

Students reflect on meaningful connection through R U OK? National Student Art Competition

12 November 2025
Collages of life’s joys, portraits of loved ones, cultural celebrations, and reflections on the barriers to connection - the Creative Legends and Finalists of the R U OK? National Art Competition expressed creativity, vulnerability and individuality through their incredible artwork.
Show More