RUOK? Day

R U OK?
Non profit organisation
Headquarters Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2000
Key people
 Gavin Larkin, Founder, R U OK?
Janina Nearn, Board Director, R U OK?
Brendan Maher, General Manager, R U OK?
Rebecca Lewis, Campaign Director, R U OK?
Website

R U OK?Day is an annual day in September (the second Thursday) dedicated to remind people to ask family, friends and colleagues the question, "R U OK?", in a meaningful way, because connecting regularly and meaningfully is one thing everyone can do to make a difference to anyone who might be struggling.

R U OK? is a not-for-profit suicide prevention organisation founded by Australian ad man Gavin Larkin in 2009 as a result of his participation in Landmark Worldwide's Self-Expression and Leadership Program, which requires attendees to create a community project.[1] [2]

In a 12-month period, it is estimated that 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt,[3] with an average of 2,320[4][5] people suiciding every year.[6] In fact, around 45 per cent of Australians will experience mental illness in their lifetime, while 20 per cent are affected every year.[7]

R U OK? works collaboratively with experts in suicide prevention and mental illness, as well as government departments, corporate leaders, teachers, universities, students and community groups. Its activities also align with the Australian Government's LIFE Framework.[8]

If you are looking for information on ways you can contribute to the cause, or help someone you know, the R U OK? website provides extensive resources for people.

History

Gavin Larkin experienced the suicide of his father in 1995. A painful journey ensued and eventually saw Gavin co-create R U OK? with Janina Nearn.

The R U OK? tagline was brought about from extensive research proving that checking in with someone can really make a difference to their mental state. On the R U OK? website Gavin has said that, "Getting connected and staying connected is the best thing anyone can do for themselves and for those who may be at risk."[8]

Since its inception in 2009, many Australian celebrities and athletes have enlisted as ambassadors and supporters to help raise awareness. Well known faces like Hugh Jackman;[9] Naomi Watts;[10] Simon Baker; South Sydney Rabbitohs co-captain, Roy Asotasi; former Rugby League player Wendell Sailor[11] and gold medal Olympian Libby Trickett[12] continue to champion the cause.[13]

In 2009 Yahoo!7's Sunrise reported that 650,000 conversations took place as a result of the campaign, which statistically is proven to help stop little problems turning into big ones.[14]

In 2012, the annual Don Ritchie Award was announced in conjunction with R U OK? Day to recognise the "extraordinary acts of service and commitment to suicide prevention," said NSW Minister for Mental Health, Kevin Humphries. After his death, Don Ritchie, the ‘Angel of the Gap’, was recognised for his "efforts in saving the lives of hundreds of people at risk of suicide" with the award that will continue to recognise the efforts of others in this field.[15]

References

  1. ↑ Palmer, Charis. "News Editor". The Conversation. The Conversation Media Trust. Retrieved 6 July 2013.
  2. ↑ http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2011/s3318306.htm
  3. ↑ Slade, T; Johnston, A.; Teesson, M.; Whiteford, H.; Burgess, P.; Pirkis, J.; Saw, S. (May 2009). "The Mental Health of Australians 2. Report on the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing". Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra.
  4. ↑ "Facts and stats about suicide in Australia". MindFrame National Media Initiative. HNE Health. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  5. ↑ "SUICIDE IN AUSTRALIA". Australian Bureau of Statistics. ABS. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  6. ↑ "2012 RUOK? Day". RUOK?. Retrieved 6 July 2013.
  7. ↑ Wright, Penny. "Penny's Blog - R U OK? Day: Are you okay in the Workplace?". http://greensmps.org.au/. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  8. 1 2 "R U OK?Day Co-Founder Gavin Larkin describes the impact". R U OK? YouTube Account. RUOK?. Retrieved 6 July 2013.
  9. ↑ "Hugh Jackman supports RUOK? Day 2012".
  10. ↑ "Actress Naomi Watts on why you should call 1800 RUOKDAY". R U OK? Day YouTube. R U OK? Day.
  11. ↑ Sellen, Shakira. "Alex Elisala's death touched a lot of people". The Morning Bulletin. APN Australian Regional Media. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  12. ↑ Knight, Dominic. "Swimmer Libby Trickett on R U OK? Day". abc.net.au. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  13. ↑ "R U OK? Ambassadors". R U OK?. R U OK?. Retrieved 6 July 2013.
  14. ↑ "R U OK? Day". Yahoo!7 TV. Yahoo!7. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  15. ↑ "Honouring Dons Commitment to Suicide Prevention on R U OK Day". NSW Government Health. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
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