Make staying connected part of your routine

hello • 22 March 2022
Three friends hanging out

 

R U OK? is encouraging everyone to stay connected as we all navigate the challenges of 2022. 

 

There’s a lot going on right now, both at home and abroad, that we can’t control. In these times it’s normal to experience feelings of hopelessness, uncertainty or to feel overwhelmed. One thing we can control, however, is reaching out to our friends, family and colleagues to check in with one another and stay connected. 

 

R U OK? CEO, Katherine Newton, says recent events have affected everyone in some way and we all need to actively seek ways to connect, and in some cases reconnect, with those in our world who might be struggling. 

 

“In the past weeks, months and years, we’ve seen some of the best examples of how caring our community can be and we need to hold on to that because that sense of genuine care and concern can be life-changing for those grappling with the impact of recent events," said Ms Newton.


“Social connection is critical in ensuring we all get through these times together. We want those who are well and able to make it part of their routine to reach out and start a conversation.


“All of us can benefit from chatting things out, sharing what’s happening in our worlds and perhaps gaining some new perspectives. Connecting with someone can help them feel more grounded amidst what might feel like chaos and remind them that you’re there to listen and support where needed. 


Our research shows that 72% of people who have spoken to someone about what's been troubling them felt better about themselves and their situation. What better reason to keep an eye out for those we care about and genuinely reach out when we know there is a big life event happening or signs of struggle. ” 


Here are some ways to build connection into your routine...


  • Create a list: Think about who in your world, personal or professional, near or far who might be struggling. 


  • Dedicate the time: Make asking, "are you OK?" part of your  routine. 


  • Choose your channel: Communicate in a way that works for you both: make a phone call, send an SMS, video call, email or, if you can meet in person you might want to go for a walk together, chat over the fence or catch up for a cuppa.  

 

Rachel Clements, Director of Psychological Services, Centre for Corporate Health is an R U OK? Ambassador and says staying connected can help us transition through the phases.  

 

"If you notice a change in someone don’t brush it aside or avoid the conversation because you aren’t sure what to say. Reaching out early can stop small things from becoming bigger issues," said Ms Clements. 

 

“It’s important we all do what we can to support our friends, family and colleagues to manage the ups and downs that life is throwing at us.” 

 

“We accept there are things people can’t do but let’s focus on what we can do. We can make every day the day to ask, ‘are you okay?’. We can be a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on,” said Ms Newton. “Let’s make time to look out for one another, be kind and #StayConnected.” 

 

If you need guidance on how to support someone, visit our How to Ask page.

 

If you or someone you know needs some extra support, visit our directory of national support and services here. For support at any time of day or night, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

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.

Connecting generations through conversation and storytelling

10 December 2025
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.
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