September 14 gives another opportunity for our community to check in, connect, and ask each other ‘R U OK?’ While R U OK Day forms a recognisable part of Australia’s fabric and attitudes towards battling mental health, its messages and resources are designed to help fight these difficult battles 365 days a year.

This significant initiative, which was started in 2009 by Grant Larkin as a way to honour his father Barry, has aimed to encourage all of us as members of a wider community to be there for one another and listen to each other’s life experiences.

Whether it is in a home, work, school, or social environment, the team over at R U Ok? Has designed a range of resources and advice to begin asking these conversations in all aspects of our lives. While acknowledging the often-stigmatised nature of these discussions, R U OK allows individuals and groups to best prepare themselves to provide support and love to those in the community who may not always actively seek it.

There are a number of different ways for individuals, workplaces and organisations to get involved this R U OK? Day, whether that’s through hosting an event, leading some fundraising efforts, or simply donating to help expand the important work that the charity provides in our community.

Go to www.ruok.org.au to view the resources and to plan your R U OK? Day.