ARE THEY TRIPLE OK?
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
NEW SOUTH WALES
NORTHERN TERRITORY
QUEENSLAND
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
TASMANIA
VICTORIA
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
HEAR OUR STORIES
Meet our People
STATE-BASED RESOURCES
I work or volunteer in Emergency Services
GENERAL RESOURCES
For Families and Friends
CHAMPIONS/ WORKPLACE CULTURE
I want to build an R U OK? Culture
Our new resources feature the personal stories emergency service workers and volunteers, including representation from each service across Australia. Each of these stories share their own practical tips on how to support their mental wellbeing, how family and friends can look beyond the uniform to check in with police and emergency services workers and volunteers and how to build an R U OK? culture within the workplace.
MEET ASHLEIGH
Meet Ashleigh, an SES volunteer crew member and training officer. Ashleigh has responded to some of our of country’s major floods and fires and has felt the impact these natural disasters has had on her mental wellbeing. Ashleigh’s unit controller took the time to check in on Ashleigh after noticing she was different after a deployment. “Without that conversation, I wouldn't be where I am today", she says.
You can read more about Ashleigh's story on the R U OK?
Chit Chat Channel.
ARE THEY TRIPLE OK? PODCAST
The R U OK? Are They Triple OK? podcast shares insights from emergency service personnel, from the love of the job to the challenges which it brings. We hear the voices of those with lived experience and share practical tools and tips on how we can increase social support for emergency services personnel, how to build a mentally healthy workplace and how to a conversation with a peer or loved one who might be doing it tough. Available now in your podcast feed.
MEET JANICE
Janice is an Operational Paramedic who shares her challenges and triumphs that come with the job. Janice discusses how juggling work, family life and mental health can be made easier by having a peer or loved one checking in and taking the time to have a meaningful conversation.
You can read more about Janice's story on the R U OK?
Chit Chat Channel.
MEET DENNIS
Dennis is currently a Senior Firefighter and Employee Support Coordinator for the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (SAMFS) and was previously a police officer with the South Australia Police (SAPOL). Dennis shares his insights on the challenges of working in the emergency services, and how to build an R U OK? culture within the workplace to reduce stigma. He also provides some practical tips on how to spot the signs that a workmate may be struggling and discusses the importance of self-care to look after our own mental health.
MEET CARLEE AND MARK
Carlee and Mark are a wife and husband who navigate the challenges of working in the emergency services while balancing a busy family life. They share their own practical tips on how to support their mental wellbeing, and how family and friends can look beyond the uniform to check in with police and emergency services workers and volunteers.
You can read more about Carlee and Mark's story on the R U OK? Chit Chat Channel.
DIGITAL RESOURCES
Use our digital resources to encourage emergency services workers and volunteers, their friends and family to check in and ask R U OK? You can share these images on social media, in emails, on websites or in EDMs. To download an image, right-click it and select Save Image.
EMAIL SIGNATURE
VIRTUAL BACKGROUNDS
STATE BASED RESOURCES
Resource kits have been developed for each state and territory and include posters, conversation guides, digital assets and information to help you share the message within your agency and service. Free physical copies of the 'Guide for Emergency Workers' are available on our online store here.
GENERAL RESOURCES FOR EMERGENCY SERVICE WORKERS, VOLUNTEERS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS
R U OK? has released a conversation guide for family and friends of police and emergency services workers and volunteers with tips on when and how to ask, “Are you Triple OK?”
Even the most resilient police and emergency services personnel can be affected by stress and trauma related to their work or as a result of other life challenges. Family and friends are often the first to notice when someone they care about is struggling. Starting an R U OK? conversation when you first notice changes in what they are saying or doing can lead to better support and wellbeing outcomes for those you care about.

Download the conversation guide and learn how to have an R U OK? conversation because a conversation could change, or even save, a life.
The general ‘Are They Triple OK?’ guide has been developed to increase levels of peer and social support for emergency service workers and volunteers nation-wide, including police, fire, ambulance and SES. It includes practical tools and tips on how to start and R U OK? conversation and how to manage different emotional responses.
FREE ONLINE COURSES
R U OK? has developed two FREE online courses specifically designed for emergency service personnel, and for their family and friends.
Learn how to ask “are you OK?” of a workmate or family member that you are worried about. The course also helps you respond appropriately and safely to anyone who says, “No, I’m not ok.”.
ARE THEY TRIPLE OK? CHAMPIONS & WORKPLACE CULTURE
R U OK? has released a Champions Guide for police and emergency service workers to promote peer-to-peer support and regular meaningful conversations amongst colleagues and help build an R U OK? Culture.
R U OK? recognises that initiatives are often effective when driven by ‘Champions’ - the ‘beating heart’ of change and can often be the motivating force to drive a commitment to an R U OK? Culture.
Champions have an important role in normalising an R U OK? conversation to support and protect the mental health and wellbeing of peers and colleagues. They can make a real difference in promoting a supportive environment and encouraging everyone to ask, ‘are you OK?’.
For more information download the 'Are They Triple OK Champions Guide' form below. We also have additional workplace resources available for R U OK? Workplace Champions. You can register or find out more here.
VIDEOS
Police and emergency services workers share their "Are you OK?"experiences and how a conversation can help a colleague through a tough time.
FIND HELP
If you’re worried about someone and feel they need professional support, encourage them to contact their Employee Assistance Program (EAP), appropriate agency support service or connect with a trusted health professional, like their local doctor.
An EAP is a service through your employer that provides free, professional and confidential counselling services to assist you and your immediate family members through both personal and work related problems.
You can find other support and tools here:
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Principal Partners
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