Headquarters Sydney, Australia 2000 | Website www.ruok.org.au | |
Type Non profit organisation 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? | ||
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.
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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.
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.
Background
In a 12-month period, it is estimated that 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt, with an average of 2,320 people committing suicide every year. In fact, around 45 per cent of Australians will experience mental illness in their lifetime, while 20 per cent are affected every year.
History
Gavin Larkin experienced the suicide of his father in 1995 resulting in the eventual co-creation with Janina Nearn of "R U OK?" in 2009.
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."
Since its inception, many Australian celebrities and athletes such as Hugh Jackman; Naomi Watts; Simon Baker; South Sydney Rabbitohs co-captain, Roy Asotasi; former Rugby league player Wendell Sailor and gold medal Olympian Libby Trickett have enlisted as ambassadors and supporters to help raise awareness.
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.
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.