R U OK? at Work

R U OK? at Work – Conversations in Practice, is a  practical conversation-based workshop that builds the confidence to notice when a colleague is struggling and how to start a conversation that could change a life.

It is delivered nationally through our training delivery partner St John Ambulance Australia.

R U OK? CEO Lachlan Searle said many organisations are looking for practical ways to help their people move beyond awareness and build confidence in supporting one another.

"Many people want to support a colleague who may be going through a tough time, but they're not always confident about how to start the conversation or where it might lead.

"R U OK? at Work – Conversations in Practice gives people the opportunity to explore what these conversations can look like in real life. Through practical activities and realistic scenarios, participants can build the skills and confidence to recognise when a colleague may be struggling, reach out and offer support.

"We're pleased to be working with St John Ambulance Australia to make this workshop available to organisations across the country," said Mr Searle. "As the trusted delivery partner, St John brings extensive training expertise and national reach to deliver the workshop on behalf of R U OK?."

The workshop builds on existing R U OK? workplace resources and tools, giving workers the opportunity to put the 4 Steps of an R U OK? Conversation into practice in a supported learning environment and strengthen their ability to provide informal peer support at work.

“For more than a century, St John Ambulance Australia has supported communities across Australia with the skills and knowledge that help people support those around them,” said Brendan Maher, St John Ambulance Australia CEO. “We’re proud to bring that experience to the delivery of R U OK? at Work - Conversations in Practice.

“The workshop encourages active participation and gives people the opportunity to explore how they might respond when a colleague opens up, including how to listen, stay connected, and encourage further support where needed. Traditional first aid focuses on how to support someone’s physical health, but learning the skills and strategies to support someone’s mental health is just as important.”

About the workshop

This is a two-hour, face-to-face practical, conversation-based session designed to strengthen workplace peer support by helping participants recognise when a colleague may be struggling and develop greater confidence in having an R U OK? Conversation. Built around realistic workplace scenarios and interactive activities, participants practise using the 4 Steps of an R U OK? Conversation: Ask R U OK?, Listen, Encourage Action and Check In.

The workshop wil cover:

• About R U OK?
• The 4 Steps of an R U OK? Conversation
• Conversation practice scenarios
• Ask R U OK? Any Day – how to keep the conversation going

This is not a clinical or skills-based certification course; it focuses on building participant confidence in a supported learning environment to strengthen their ability to provide informal peer support at work.

The workshop is  delivered on site in your workplace by an  St John accredited facilitator.

Who it's for

A team or workplace looking to build a culture where people feel connected, supported and empowered to have R U OK? Conversations. No prior training or background in mental health is required — just a willingness to look out for colleagues.