We dream of a world where...

hello • 10 April 2018

How you can help create a world where everyone is connected and asked the question when they need it most.

We live in a world where people are lonely – even though they seem to have countless friends.

We live in communities where too many people feel like they’re a burden on others – even though they seem to be incredibly successful.

We live in a society where people are fearful, reluctant and afraid to talk about the stuff that’s keeping them awake at night – even though there’s no shame in feeling down and blue.

It’s heart-breaking and it’s affecting people’s lives.

Yet you can play a part in changing this.

You can play a small but important part in keeping each other safe and strong by simply caring about one another and talking things through.

And not just talking about stuff that is really, truly bad - but talking about what makes you snort with laugher, cry and moan, freak out, stress or smile every day.

Because it’s these conversations that will help you weather the storms and patches of rain and fog throughout life.

As friends, we don’t need to fix someone’s problems.

Rather, we need to listen, not judge and try and see the world from their perspective. And to let them know they’re not alone but surrounded by people who care.

We can help each other through:

·Grief

·Relationship breakdowns

·Financial difficulty

·Major life changes

These moments shouldn’t just be the moments we feel overwhelmed. They can be the times our friends are there for us and don’t shy away from asking, “Are you OK?”

We dream of a world where everyone is connected and asked the question when they need it most. Help create this world by reaching out and having the courage to listen with an open mind and heart.

Find conversation tips and more here: www.ruok.org.au /how-to-ask


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.
A montage of images of people in relationships

Why support matters when relationships end

30 October 2025
Relationships shape our lives so when any meaningful relationship ends, the loss can be deeply personal and painful. 

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.
Show More