R U OK Day calls for Aussies to be here to hear

It’s R U OK? Day, a day of empathy, compassion, and connection. A day to remind us all that simple conversations change lives. This year’s theme is “I’m here to hear”. It calls on all of us to let the people we care about know we are really here for them.

The story of R U OK? began in the depths of personal grief. In 1995, the Larkin family endured the heartbreaking loss of their patriarch, Barry Larkin, who had been struggling silently for some time with depression. Following his fathers death by suicide, his son, Gavin Larkin, was left with a void and countless unanswered questions.  Yet Gavin chose not to let his father’s tragedy define his life but to honour his memory instead by seeking to protect others from similar pain.

In 2009, Gavin posed a question that would become the catalyst for change: “Are you OK?” This simple yet profound query became the cornerstone of a movement to raise awareness about mental health and encourage genuine conversations. The question transcended superficial pleasantries and invited people to open their hearts and minds.

Initially, the idea was to create a documentary to raise awareness, but it soon became evident that more was needed. To change behaviour on a national scale, a full-fledged campaign was essential. And so began Gavin’s mission to launch a movement to change how Aussies thought about mental health.

Gavin remained a passionate advocate for the idea that a conversation could change a life, even as he faced his own battle with depression and terminal cancer. His legacy became a Conversation Movement, empowering Australians with the skills and confidence to support those struggling with life’s challenges.

In the changing the landscape of mental health and suicide prevention, R U OK has had a massive impact. The movement has instilled a sense of collective responsibility in the community, showing that everyone could contribute to suicide prevention by simply reaching out and starting a conversation.

The 2023 R U OK? Day carries this legacy forward. Australians from all walks of life are being called on to participate.  The theme, “I’m here to hear,” is a reminder that real change begins with genuine listening. It is a call to action to ask the question, “Are you OK?” and to be fully present to truly hear the answer.

R U OK? Day 2023 is not just a date on the calendar; it is a reminder that every day could be the day to ask, “Are you OK?” and start a conversation that has the potential to change a life.

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