R U OK? A conversation can change a life
R U OK? Day 2023 on Thursday 14 September is a day that reminds us that we don't need to be an expert to reach out and ask someone if they are OK. The public health promotion charity's theme for 2023 is here to really hear, a message that encourages us to genuinely listen to people we care about who might be struggling, helping them to open up and find strategies or appropriate support to better manage life's ups and downs.
We all have what it takes to ask, listen and support one another. But checking in with others, even a close friend, can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Even though advocacy for mental health has come a long way in recent years, 2019 research revealed that:
63% of people are not confident they know the signs that someone might be struggling; 41% hadn’t asked someone if they were OK because they weren’t sure they knew the signs; and 49% believed they’d be more confident starting a conversation if they knew the signs.The R U OK? mission is to equip all Australians with the resources and confidence to navigate a conversation with someone who might be struggling. Those who are exposed to the R U OK? Day campaign are up to six times more likely to reach out to someone who might need to be asked 'are you OK', compared to those not exposed to the campaign.
Genuinely listening with an open mind makes a difference in helping people feel connected and supported. To raise awareness for identifying when someone might be struggling and how we can step in to support each other, R U OK? have developed four simple steps for starting a conversation that could change a life:
1. Ask R U OK? 2. Listen 3. Encourage action 4. Check inBuilding a trusting relationship and genuinely listening in a safe and private environment are important when engaging in a meaningful R U OK? conversation. It also helps to choose the right time and place to talk to someone about how they're feeling and what's going on in ther life, whether that is:
On breaks from work or study When exercising together When connecting or doing activities together online When you’re spending time together socially When you’re doing an activity side-by-side When you’re sharing a meal When you’re travelling together, even a short trip can be a good time to talk.Please visit the R U OK? website to learn more about the signs that indicate it may be time to ask someone if they are OK, and for tips and strategies on how to start a conversation and encourage action.
If you need immediate crisis or emotional support you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or any of the support resources listed on the R U OK? website.
In recognition of R U OK? Day, the University of Sydney is hosting several events on campus, with plenty of activities to enjoy while meaningfully connecting with your fellow students and staff.
R U OK? Day events Location Activities Date & Time The Conservatorium of Music A gelato stand and Student Life will be at the Con for the week of R U OK? Day.11–15 September
11 am–2 pm
Coffee & Croissants @ the Library
Fisher Library & Camden Library
Free coffee and croissants at the University's Libraries.12 September
Fisher 11 am
Camden 12 pm
R U OK? Day Community Lunch
Gadigal Centre
Free community lunch and yarns about self-care and wellbeing.12 September
12:30–1:30 pm
Nepean Clinical School
Level 2 common room
Free food and coffee, bike and blend, Indigenous-inspired catering from Kallico, therapy dogs from 12 pm to 1:30 pm, and a Student Life and Wellbeing desk.12 & 13 September
12–3 pm
Concord Clinical School
Concord Repatriation General
Free food and coffee, therapy dogs from 10–11:30 am, Student Life and Wellbeing desk, and Indigenous-inspired catering from Kallico.13 September
9 am–12 pm
Coffee & Croissants @ the Library
SWHB Library
Free coffee and croissants at the University's Libraries.13 September
11 am
Northern Sydney (Arabanoo) Precinct
Level 5 Foyer, Kolling Institute
Free food and coffee, bike and blend, Indigenous-inspired catering from Kallico, Student Life and Wellbeing desk, and a private room for 1:1 consults.13 September
11 am–1 pm
Westmead Clinical School
Westmead Hospital, Block K
Free food and coffee, bike and blend, Indigenous-inspired catering from Kallico, and a Student Life and Wellbeing desk.14 September
9 am–12 pm
Ther-A-Paws x R U OK? Day
New Law Lawns, Eastern Avenue
Hosted by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Ther-A-Paws is the paw-fect place to meet our furry VIP guests and take a mindful break outside. Learn how to start the conversation that could change a life, meet our friendly pack of trained therapy dogs and their owners, and discover more about the free mental health and wellbeing services available to you and your fellow students.14 September
12–1:30 pm
Coffee & Croissants @ the Library
The Con Library & The Quarter
Free coffee and croissants at the University's Libraries.
14 September
11 am
Peter Nicol Russell Building
Learning Hub
Pot plant painting, wellbeing and support information booths, Love BUDS plant-based catering, spin the wheel, R U OK? cupcakes, and free pats from guide dogs in training.
14 September
11 am–1 pm
USU pop-up
Eastern Avenue
Giant games, free lunch from Manning Cantina, spin & win from 11:30 am (with prizes including a 12-month Headspace app subscription & double passes to Someday Soon Festival at Manning House), free sausage sizzle, free coffee, free yellow cupcakes, and free Love BUDS plant-based classic burgers.14 September
11 am–2 pm
SUPRA
Eastern Avenue
Free hugs, free food and sunflower lanyards to support people who experience a hidden disability.
14 September
11 am–2 pm
Batyr
Eastern Avenue
Painting activities with pots, fabric or murals, and a free BBQ.
14 September
11 am–2 pm
R U OK? Day Crafternoon hosted by Peer Support Advisors
Welcome Hub, Level 3 Wentworth Building
Engage with creative craft activities while connecting and chatting with other students and enjoying free snacks.
14 September
2:30–4:30 pm
Camden Campus
Lawns outside Red Room
Casual sports on the Lawns outside of the Red Room, encouragement art including a message board, and photography activities.14 September
4–7 pm