"HEY GOOGLE, TALK TO RUOK MATE"

Asking isn’t always easy, but it could change a life. To help people better prepare for a conversation we’ve launched ‘RUOK Mate’ an Action on Google where you can role play scenarios and get tips on how, when and where to ask “R U OK?”.

Anyone who might be worried about family, friends or colleagues can access the interactive conversation scenarios on their Google Home or Google Assistant enabled smartphone or device by simply saying “Hey Google, talk to RUOK Mate”.

R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton says it’s important to deliver the R U OK? message to people in ways that keep pace with changing technology. 

“We know the majority of Australians believe talking to someone who’s struggling can make a difference. We are focused on building confidence in people, so they know when and how to have an R U OK? conversation,” said Newton.

“It’s vital we utilise new ways to build that confidence and ‘RUOK Mate’ has the potential to do that in a way that we have not seen before. We hope to empower people to trust their gut instinct and ask the question as soon as they spot the signs that someone might be struggling with life.” 

World Champion surfer and R U OK? Ambassador Layne Beachley is supporting the project and is excited about the practical nature of ‘RUOK Mate’.

“This is a great use of technology to reach those people for whom voice assisted technology is becoming commonplace,” said Beachley. “Having struggled myself it wasn’t until I was asked ‘Are you OK?’ that I recognised I needed support. 

“I’m proud to champion this resource that will increase the confidence and readiness of Australians to have meaningful conversations that can change lives.”

GOOGLE ASSISTANT

A CONVERSATION CAN CHANGE A LIFE

R U OK? Four Steps - Ask, Listen, Encourage Action, Check In
Got a niggling feeling that someone you know or care about it isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem out of sorts? More agitated or withdrawn? Or they’re just not themselves. Trust that gut instinct and act on it.

By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. If they say they are not ok, you can follow our conversation steps to show them they’re supported and help them find strategies to better manage the load. If they are ok, that person will know you’re someone who cares enough to ask. 
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