2016: The year that was...

hello • 23 December 2016

We’re on the final stretch toward the end of another year. As we reflect on what R U OK? has achieved these last 12 months we feel this one has really flown by!

R U OK? has had an amazing 2016 with both participation in the campaign and our impact continuing to grow. We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of Australians who are confident in their ability to reach out to a friend or loved one who’s struggling with life. It’s a great result and a testament to our founder Gavin Larkin’s vision.

Our seventh national day of action, R U OK?Day , saw Ambassadors, communities, sector partners, government and corporate Australia reconnect with someone they’ve lost touch with.

To highlight the power of reconnection, R U OK? reunited three pairs of long lost friends. We captured each pair’s story to show the difference friendship, support and quality time with those we care about can make.

Thousands of R U OK?Day events were held in all corners of Australia with 5,900 media reports helping to highlight the importance of conversations and connecting with those around us. The day featured a breakfast event at iconic Bondi Icebergs where guest speakers, politicians and musicians came together to share messages of promise and hope for a future where we are all connected and protected from suicide.

We've captured more stories and successes from the day, in the R U OK?Day 2016 Wrap Up:


Here are just a few more of our good news stories and achievements in 2016:

  • The launch of the R U OK? at Work campaign, ‘ Would you say something?’ to remind people that we've all got what it takes to start a conversation with someone we're worried about.
  • A new website developed with the support of our digital partner Sensis to deliver a helpful and inspiring platform for anyone looking to start a conversation with someone they’re worried about.
  • Thanks to the support of Bristow we launched the R U OK? Afield campaign ‘It’s not always obvious’ reminding us sometimes we need to trust our gut instinct and dig a little deeper because it’s not always obvious when someone’s struggling.
  • With the support of 12 law firms we delivered the Look Deeper campaign to encourage greater peer to peer support across the legal profession.
  • In partnership with the TrackSAFE Foundation we delivered the second Rail R U OK?Day to empower everyone in the rail industry to check in with one another and ask, “are you ok?”.
  • We supported Ambassador DJ Tigerlily’s ‘Summer of Love’ tour and encouraged youth across Australia to share the love and support one another.
  • We expanded our community Conversation Corner initiative (a park bench activation) with a launch in Bundaberg, Queensland supported by R U OK? Ambassador Libby Trickett.
  • Our merchandise grew in popularity and helped us reach more Australians in households, workplaces and schools.
  • We partnered with the Royal Adelaide Show and the inaugural Ride Against Suicide to encourage South Australians to support one another and connect people with services that can assist when times are tough.
  • We launched an interactive question mark ‘Quentin’ who is currently travelling across Australia inspiring one million conversations in the lead up to R U OK?Day 2017.
  • A new play was developed called ‘Being Brave’ from our schools’ partner Brainstorm productions to encourage children to talk about what they’re feeling and ask one another, “are you ok?”.
  • A new partnership with the Chamberlain Foundation will see us deliver a primary school initiative in 2017

Everything we are able to achieve is underpinned by significant generosity and goodwill.

People often express surprise that R U OK? is a small team of six. While this keeps us incredibly busy, much of the team’s ability to succeed is driven by the incredible commitment of everyone who's helping us build a national conversation movement such as event organisers, employers, employees, volunteers and fundraisers. They inspire us to work harder every day.

The pro-bono support and vital financial support of partners such as the Australian Government , Hungry Jack’s , Virgin Mobile , Bristow Helicopters and Sensis helps us expand the campaign throughout the year.

This year we were privileged to garner the support of a number of new dedicated Ambassadors. Our Ambassador program continues to thrive and we are grateful to all our Ambassadors that give their time and energy to the cause.

Importantly, R U OK?’s capacity to develop campaigns and resources that are effective, safe and empowering relies on the incredible expertise we receive from our Scientific Advisory Group, Conversation Think Tank and Creative Hub. These individuals provide their time freely and add substance, depth and credibility to R U OK?’s initiatives.

I would also like to thank R U OK?’s Board for their support and guidance.

Finally, thank you to the incredible R U OK? team, who consistently kick goals – Katherine Newton (Campaign Director), Anastasia Symons (Campaign Manager), Lisa Minner (Media and PR Manager), Lindy Hodgson (Community Engagement Manager), and Kristina Lawrence (Project and Events Manager). I also want to acknowledge the support of Amy Godfrey during the busy months in the lead-up to R U OK?Day.

We recently bade farewell to Rebecca Lewis, whose vision, creativity and drive has helped R U OK? achieve so much. Her outstanding contribution will be sorely missed.

As we move into 2017, we look forward to a year where we will continue to equip more Australians to reach out and start a conversation with anyone struggling with life.

In the meantime, enjoy the festive season and have a wonderful break filled with meaningful conversations. See you in the New Year! 


Connecting generations through conversation and storytelling

3 February 2026
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.

Caring for yourself and others following traumatic events

14 December 2025
The recent incident in Sydney has left many feeling distressed and overwhelmed, and you may notice the children in your life are struggling too. Below, you’ll find advice from mental health experts on caring for your own wellbeing, and providing meaningful support to others in the days and weeks ahead. Talking to children about traumatic events Children are likely to have seen and heard distressing information about this incident. Ongoing news coverage, images and discussion can intensify feelings of anxiety, sadness and anger. The Child Mind Institute has published a practical guide to help parents and carers talk with children about traumatic events. The guide offers practical age-specific advice and has been developed by experts in child psychology, you can access this guide here . Events involving violence or serious harm can be especially difficult for children to understand or discuss. The guide focuses on helping children feel safe, supported and reassured, and encourages parents, carers or guardians to: Provide comfort and reassurance, including physical affection Remain calm and measured when discussing the event Maintain regular routines to restore a sense of normality Encourage play, connection and time with others Share honest, age-appropriate information from trusted sources Limit children’s exposure to news, especially younger children Listen patiently and validate children’s feelings Recognise that fear, anger, sadness or guilt are all normal reactions Looking after yourself, and supporting others Rachel Clements, R U OK? Advisor, and Director of Psychological Services at Centre for Corporate Health, said strong emotional reactions are normal and healthy for people of all ages following public acts of violence, even among those not directly impacted. “Some reactions that are incredibly normal are concern, shock, horror, disbelief. When that wears off sometimes, people experience stronger feelings, sometimes anger, despair, sadness, anxiety or fear-based behaviour."  Ms Clements advised that connecting with friends, sporting clubs, or workplace networks, and simply asking ‘are you OK?’, can play a key role in supporting people experiencing distress. "This event will disrupt the nervous system. One of the most important things we can do is stay connected, talk to each other and lean into supportive conversations,” Ms Clements said. She suggested starting a genuine conversation by asking questions such as: 'it's been tough watching this information coming to light, how are you feeling about it?’ “Then, all you’ve got to do is listen with empathy, without judgment or interruption, and just allow someone to talk about their experience and how they are feeling. When it is the right time in the conversation, you can then gently guide someone towards supportive actions, like doing some gentle exercise, staying connected with friends and family, or maintaining regular routines.” Ms Clements emphasised the importance of checking in again to ensure people have continued support. If you notice someone’s distress is ongoing for several weeks and begins to affect their work or social life, professional help should be encouraged. If you or the children in your care are experiencing ongoing distress, consider speaking with a doctor or another trusted healthcare provider. Free and professional 24/7counselling services are available, find contact details here . If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. Ask R U OK? Any Day.

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.
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