INSPIRING STORIES

SHOWING THE POWER OF CONVERSATION

SHARE YOUR STORY

What we’d like from you

We'll publish stories that:

  1. Show how conversations change lives
  2. Show people how to navigate a conversation where someone says, “No, I’m not OK.” 
  3. Are aimed at the general public and encourage people to invest more time in the people around them or reach out to those who might be struggling with life. 

 

What we can't publish:

Because of R U OK?’s focus, we aren’t able to publish stories that are mainly about:

 

  1. Mental health treatment, systems or policy
  2. Advice on managing a mental health problem 
  3. The promotion of a fundraising activity or commercial product. 

 

While we don't cover these topics ourselves, we’d encourage you to set up your own blog or share it on your social media channels.


We also avoid publishing triggering descriptions of suicide or self-harm. Please read our blogging, vlogging and social media guidelines to you help you share your story in a way that’s safe.

 What happens once you've submitted your story
We'll review your story and assess whether it meets the criteria above. We may edit your story for clarity or to remove triggering content, but we will always share any edits with you before we publish. Please note, we receive more submissions than we are able to publish so won't always be able to share your story.
 Story Submission Form

This form tells us a bit about you and allows you to send your story to us. All personal details will remain confidential.


We’re a small team which means we’re not always able to publish stories or provide feedback as often as we'd like to. However, we will try to respond to your submission within seven days. Any questions, please contact us through our online contact form.

STORIES THAT SHOW CONVERSATIONS CAN CHANGE LIVES

Announcement from the CEO, Katherine Newton

by Katherine Newton • 16 October 2025
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.
Michelle Heyman on the field.

Michelle Heyman on speaking out and starting over

8 October 2025
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.
Five R U OK? Community Ambassadors pose in park wearing black and yellow R U OK? t shirts

Show you care during Mental Health Month

25 September 2025
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.
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