New research highlights importance of meaningful conversations

24 July 2025

If you need tips to build your confidence to ask R U OK?, we’re here to help with plenty of free resources to help you check in with someone you care about.

Thursday 11 September is R U OK?Day but we know that whether it’s a friend, family member, partner, or colleague , the people around us go through life’s ups and downs every day. That’s why we want everyone to feel confident to check in with the people they care about and Ask R U OK? Any Day.

 

Our research found that those who are regularly asked, 'are you OK?' report increased feelings of wellbeing, and we've learned that a third of Australians say they've been asking others more often over the past year . That means many of us are already showing up for others in meaningful ways, but when it comes to conversations about how we’re really going, some people are less confident than others. 


“R U OK?Day, our National Day of Action, is a powerful reminder, but it’s what we do regularly that truly makes a difference,” said Katherine Newton, CEO R U OK?.


“We want Australians to feel confident to check in with the people they care about – not only on R U OK?Day, but any day."

 

It’s natural to feel a little hesitant, but the good news is nine in ten Australians report feeling grateful, supported and cared for when someone genuinely asks them if they're OK - and that’s a good reason to give it a go. You might even be having these conversations already without realising.

 

If you need tips to build your confidence, we’re here to help with plenty of free resources to help you feel more confident to check in with someone you care about. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back. 


Ask R U OK? Any  Day of the year because a conversation could change a life.

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