On R U OK? Day and World Suicide Prevention Day, join Australia at Home for an R U OK? Conversation about reminding Australians that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” if someone in your world is struggling with life’s ups and downs.
2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and circumstances have made it even more important for us all to stay connected and, for those who are able, be willing to support those around us.
Listen to the panel talk about their R U OK? experiences, why R U OK? works, what to say when someone says they’re not OK and how you can continue a conversation that could change a life.
There’s more to say after asking “Are you OK?” Ask then listen, Encourage action and Check-in. Learn what to say next at ruok.org.au
On the panel:
Katherine Newton, CEO, R U OK? and Host
Katherine is the CEO of R U OK? – an organisation most well-known for R U OK?Day, a national day of action committed to encouraging and equipping everyone to regularly and meaningfully ask “are you ok?”, of anyone who might be struggling with life.
Since the inaugural R U OK?Day in 2009, R U OK? has become a household name. In 2019, an estimated 87% of Australians are aware of R U OK?, with one in four taking part in some form of R U OK? activity throughout the year.
To help make real, lasting change in Australia, R U OK? has broadened their reach beyond a national day of action. Campaigns such as R U OK? at Work and R U OK? at School are providing effective platforms to promote regular, meaningful conversations all year round.
Katherine’s commitment to prevention efforts spans nine years stemming from her time as a Lifeline telephone counsellor prior to transitioning to the not-for-profit sector professionally where she initially worked to help prevent men’s violence against women
Katherine later joined R U OK? where she now leads a small responsive team and continues to be inspired by the those in the community who believe in peer-to-peer support.
Alan Woodward, Expert Adviser
Alan has 20 years’ experience in mental health, crisis support and suicide prevention as a strategic thinker, policy adviser, researcher, evaluator and communicator. He has led innovation and continual improvements in mental health and suicide prevention programs. Alan’s relationship with R U OK? spans more than a decade.
He is an expert in tele-web support services having worked with Lifeline Australia for 14 years and with helplines in various countries.
Alan is skilled in the use of evaluations of outcomes for people and communities. He is a Fellow of the Australian Evaluation Society. Alan holds a Master’s in Social Science and Policy, a Business Degree and a Diploma in Arts/Communications.
Steven Satour, Stronger Together Campaign Manager
Steven Satour is a Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara and Pertame man from Central Australia. He is a driven Indigenous entrepreneur and founder of Iwara Travel, with more than a decade of varied experience in marketing, event and project management across tourism, education, the arts, employment, small business and not for profit sectors.
Steven believes that by celebrating and embracing Indigenous cultures we bring all Australians together. He featured in the Stronger Together campaign in early 2019 and says that was the moment he knew R U OK? was the organisation he wanted to join and where he could make a difference.
Stronger Together resonates with Steven as he believes the message is so simple and powerful, "It is steeped in our cultural practice of being a community and ensuring that no one is left behind."
Lisa Nichols, Community Ambassador
Lisa Nichols, is a Woolgoolga local who is one of the driving forces behind “Woopi Wears Yellow”, an initiative that saw her organise to paint the town yellow to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention. Lisa cares deeply about this cause and her local community, Her dedication to raising awareness and helping others is quite remarkable.
Lisa lost her mother to suicide many years ago and through her volunteer efforts as an R U OK? community ambassador she is driven to destigmatise talking about mental health and is the go-to person in the town to talk to when someone is struggling.
Lisa an example of the true essence of what a community movement R U OK? is and the impact it can have. This one women has mobilised an entire town!