Suicide prevention organisation R U OK? has launched its new campaign and is calling on all people to give a big old-fashioned thanks to those who’ve asked “are you ok?”.
Australian icon and R U OK? ambassador Jack Thompson has thrown his support behind the ‘Thanks For Asking’ campaign, and said a simple thank you can go a long way.
“The act of saying thanks is about removing doubt, uncertainty and reluctance to ask ‘are you ok?’ It’s the perfect reminder for us all that we can make a difference to our friends and family who might be having a tough day or a difficult time,” said Thompson.
R U OK? campaign director Rebecca Lewis said ‘Thanks For Asking’ is all about appealing to people’s hearts.
“We want to create a conversation movement inspired by hope and gratitude,” Lewis said. “Whatever the size of the problem, if someone has been there for you, we urge you to visit ruok.org.au and thank them today.”
R U OK? will also travel the breadth of Australia to encourage people to say thanks and share their stories. Starting in Perth today, the tour will visit locations across Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales. The final stop will be in Parramatta, Sydney on R U OK?Day (Thursday, 10 September).
“We’re excited to be hitting the road again to meet people from different communities and inspire them to write, share and show the love,” Lewis said.
As part of the campaign, R U OK? is releasing a new video that reveals intimate stories and heartfelt words of thanks from people whose lives have been changed by a conversation, which will feature on ruok.org.au.
