R U OK? Conversation Convoy rolls in to Federation Square, Melbourne

The Conversation Convoy is building on the question “are you ok?” by reinforcing the 4 Steps to starting a meaningful conversation and empowering Australians to ask, listen, encourage action and check in.

Thanks to the Audi Foundation, the four yellow SUV’s each represent one of the conversation steps and will roll into each event for a series of community-based events.

Approximately 300 people wandered through Federation Square and engaged in the activities as well as chatting to staff and sector partners, like headspace, ReachOut and Rural and Remote Mental Health.

Students from Brighton Secondary College also jumped in to participate in a series of 4 step activities.

Year 7 student Denni Nui asked an important question of the R U OK? team; “What happens if you ask someone if they’re ok and they say they are but you know they’re not?”

R U OK? spokesperson Anastasia Symons replied, “You keep checking in with them and let them know you are always there with an open ear if they decide to confide in you.

“If a conversation does get too tough, help seeking avenues are available on the R U OK? website and flagging anything too big with a parent or teacher is important,” she said.

CEO Brendan Maher welcomed guests and held a Q&A with R U OK? ambassador Steve Bastoni who shared his own story around addiction and his wife’s post-natal depression.

The Convoy's next stop will be at Gundagai Hungry Jacks on Tuesday, the 29th August.

· For interview, image requests or survey results, please contact:

·Nicole Warwick: nicolewarwick@liquidideas.com.au or 0412 934 643

·Lizzy Thomas: lizzythomas@liquidideas.com.au or 0400 922 919

·Lisa Minner: lisa@ruok.org.au or 0456 475 033