R U OK? is a national health promotion charity which promotes the importance of interpersonal connections in our lives to achieve optimal mental health and wellbeing. R U OK? contributes to suicide prevention efforts by encouraging people to invest more time in their personal relationships and building the capacity of informal support networks.  Feeling connected to and cared for by others is crucial to our sense of belonging and wellbeing, and can empower us to seek help if we need it.

Each year in September, R U OK? Day encourages all of us to reach out to the people around us and start a meaningful conversation with those who may be struggling in their lives. The aim of R U OK? Day is to highlight that a conversation can change a life: you don’t have to be a mental health expert or professionally trained to be there for someone – it’s all about being a supportive friend and a good listener.

While you’re with us at Deakin, we strive to fully support your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health, so you can stay happy, well and enabled to achieve your study goals. Take some time out this R U OK? Day to learn more about how you can protect your own health and wellbeing, and to support those around you.