Don't let it be a silent night - give the gift of conversation
hello • 6 December 2020
R U OK? is calling on Australians to give the ‘Gift of Conversation’ this holiday season.
Voiced by Sam Neill, the campaign urges all Australians to pause and reflect if there’s someone in
their world who might be feeling disconnected this holiday season.
“This has been a year unlike any other and the holiday season for many Australians won’t be quite
the same as in years past,” said R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton.
“As well as the social, emotional
and financial pressures of the last twelve months, many are facing the prospect of disconnection
from friends and loved ones this Christmas.”
The R U OK? adaptation of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore has been voiced by
actor Sam Neill who this year entertained, reassured and encouraged his social media followers and
fans to open up about how they are feeling.
“I think this message from R U OK? is one that really needs to be heard. It has been a hard year, and
I feel sure we now all have a better understanding of how loneliness and disconnection can impact on
our lives,” said Neill.
“This Christmas, this Holiday Season, no matter what our circumstances, we can
ALL make a difference - by giving the gift of conversation to people we know. Particularly those who
might be struggling, and so many do at this time of the year.
To help people know when and how to give the ‘Gift of Conversation’, free downloadable resources
are available on the R U OK? website including a personalised e-greeting card and conversation tips.
“Being surrounded by festivities and talk of family holidays and gatherings can make this a
particularly isolating time for those who have lost a loved one, are not feeling connected or who
can’t be with family and friends through distance or circumstance,” said Ms Newton.
“Don’t let it be a silent night for those in your world. Reach out to them, give them the gift of a
meaningful conversation, show them you care and lend support where it’s needed.”
The ‘Gift of Conversation’ also underpins the R U OK? “Your Natter Matters” campaign
that aims to
empower senior Australians over 65 to support each other through life’s ups and downs. The
campaign is backed by the Stockland CARE Foundation and features printed and digital resources
that focus on how to give the Gift of Conversation.
‘Don’t let it be a silent night: Give the ‘Gift of Conversation’ Learn how at www.ruok.org.au
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.
Two Darwin organisations have received been recognised for their efforts at the 2025 Barbara Hocking Memorial Awards.
