7 tips for asking R U OK? from a design studio with a difference

hello • 19 September 2019


Adelaide's Blend Creative is a design studio with a difference. Since 1990 the multi-service graphic design studio has been providing real work opportunities to designers with disability. In the build-up to R U OK?Day 2019, their team used their talents to inspire everyone to check in with those around you.

The project involved everyone in the team researching R U OK?Day and creating their own visual representation of why we need to start more life-changing conversations. From custom illustrations to photoshop techniques, the team were able to use their skills to design artwork that could be shared across social media and inspire everyone to connect and ask the question, "Are you OK?"


Rosie: "Always take the time to ask are you ok? Also smile, you never know, it might just open some doors!"

Cathy: "When asking if someone is ok, let them find a comfortable place to talk. It may be a while taking a walk along the beach or inside on the couch with a warm blanket, whatever is best for them and you!"

Travis: "Haven’t heard from an old friend for a while and thinking of them makes you smile? Stay in touch. Genuine care and concern can make a real difference".

Nash: "Switch off from the rest of the world and be present with those important to you - listen with an open mind".

Thomas: "Share some happiness with that person on the bus you see every morning or who stands in front of you when in the line to order coffee".

Adrian: "Sometimes it's those closest to us that we forget to pay extra attention to, so make time to listen. Everyone deserves to be heard".

Jared: "Find what works best for you and discuss strategies with those around you - we all have different ways to cope with tough or stressful times and sometimes it’s the little things that get us through".

To learn more about Blend Creative, visit their website at https://www.blendcreative.com.au/

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Announcement from the CEO, Katherine Newton

by Katherine Newton • 16 October 2025
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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