Your Natter Matters: Ask R U OK?
hello • 7 December 2020
R U OK? has launched a campaign to connect senior Australians through the ‘Gift of Conversation’.
“Your Natter Matters”, is backed by the Stockland CARE Foundation and calls on members of our older generation to use their life experience to support each other through life’s ups and downs.
“R U OK? want to empower our Seniors to reach out to one another and give the gift of conversation,” said R U OK? Campaign Director, Gennie Sheer. “A meaningful ‘natter’ can positively impact feelings of self-worth and self-esteem and make a big difference to someone who might be struggling with life.”
Research has found people engaged with the R U OK? campaign are up to six times more likely to reach out to someone who might be troubled1. However, those aged 65 and older are currently less likely to have engaged with the R U OK? message. “Your Natter Matters” aims to increase their confidence levels and reinforce to them the value of simply asking ‘Are you OK?’ and lending a listening ear.
After the age of 65, some people will experience mental health challenges for the first time and not know how or where to find support. Isolation, grief, changing circumstances and concern about their independence can all increase risk factors.
“During the development of the campaign people shared with us how the support of friends helped them through some difficult times,” said Ms Sheer. “Having someone recognise they were doing it tough and, rather than turn away, check in on them and be there to listen was something that made a big difference.”
The signs it’s time for an R U OK? conversation can be subtle. There might be changes in verbal or non-verbal behaviour. Someone might tell you they’re having difficulty filling their days or they might be withdrawing from social situations.
“If we know someone is going through a significant life change that’s when we should make a conscious effort to connect,” said Ms Sheer.
The campaign taps into the power of connecting through conversation. Printed and digital resources have been developed with the support and guidance of seniors, advocates, researchers and those working with older Australians.
“The campaign recognises the breadth of life experience older adults can draw on to support those around them who might be struggling,” said Kirrily Lord - General Manager, Retirement Living Operations. “Seniors might be reluctant to reach out so it’s important their peers know when and how to start a conversation that could change a life.”
The Gift of Conversation also underpins the R U OK? Christmas campaign featuring social media, television and radio messages voiced by actor Sam Neill.
Learn more about the ‘Your Natter Matters: Ask R U OK?’ campaign at www.ruok.org.au/yournattermatters
Learn how to ask at www.ruok.org.au
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.
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