CHIT CHAT CHANNEL

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.

Matildas forward Michelle Heyman talks about how one of the most challenging transitions of her life became the most transformative, thanks to the support of her fiancée Christine.

It’s Mental Health Month. Here’s what you can do to connect with your community, look after your mental health and support someone who might be struggling.

Young people are more regularly asking each other ‘are you OK?’ and initiating meaningful conversations, according to the latest R U OK? insights.

Heath, known to his family as carefree and genuine, kept his struggles hidden. His death by suicide shocked those closest to him. His sister Briana has honoured his memory through the Ks for R U OK?, encouraging connection and conversation along the way.

St John’s Primary School in Mitcham, VIC, has received the Education Award at the 2025 Barbara Hocking Memorial Awards,

Matt Hockings has been recognised for his contribution to suicide prevention, through his grassroots cycling campaigns and unwavering commitment to the R U OK? message.

The ANZ Mental Health Network has received the Workplace Award at the 2025 Barbara Hocking Memorial Awards.

Stuck for ideas on how to bring the R U OK? message to life in your school community? Check out the activities and events from schools across Australia.

Lisa, a correctional officer and R U OK? Community Ambassador opens up on the life-changing impact of checking in with your workmates and asking, 'are you OK?'.