R U OK? Day 2025
#RUOK?
Ask R U OK? Any Day of the year because a conversation could change a life.
Thursday 11 September is R U OK? Day 2025, a day focused on inspiring and empowering everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling.
Whether it’s a friend, family member, partner, or colleague, the people around us go through life’s ups and downs every day. That’s why we want everyone to feel confident to check in with the people they care about and Ask R U OK? Any Day.
How to ask someone R U OK?
It’s important to remind everyone that every day is a day to ask ‘are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation with someone. You don't need to be an expert to reach out – just a good friend and a great listener.
You can access plenty of resources online to support the four steps of an R U OK? conversation which are:
- Ask R U OK?
- Listen
- Encourage action
- Check in
Research found that those who are regularly asked, 'are you OK?' report increased feelings of wellbeing, and a third of Australians say they've been asking others more often during the past year. That means many of us are already showing up for others in meaningful ways, but when it comes to conversations about how we’re really going, some people are less confident than others so here’s a 'How To Ask' Guide for easy reference.
The University also has a number of resources available to support members of our community with health and wellbeing.
Resources and support for students
To recognise the day each year, the University hosts a range of events to help students connect, discuss the importance of mental health and learn how to access support.
Visit the dedicated student page to find out about events and activities for students associated with R U OK? Day 2025 and to read about the range of health and wellbeing services available to students at any time.
Further, visit the Student Health and Wellbeing Digital Hub to find events, workshops and self-help resources to boost your wellbeing throughout the semester.
Resources and support for staff
There are a range of information and support networks available to staff at the University. These include:
- Employee Assistance Program offering confidential, personal and professional development resources
- University of Melbourne Health Service providing medical services to staff
- Safer Community Program providing support and advice about inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour
- Counselling and Psychological Services providing counselling, training and personal development opportunities
- Respect at Melbourne – a program of work supporting the University's commitment to eliminating sexual misconduct from our community
Additional resources
- Lifeline Australia – call 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue – call 1300 22 46 36
- 13YARN – Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support - call 13 92 76
- QLife – call 1800 184 527
- MensLine Australia – call 1300 78 99 78
- Kids Helpline – call 1800 55 1800
- Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling – call 1800 011 046
- Black Dog Institute – Better Mental Health
R U OK? Day backgrounds for Zoom or Teams
You can show your support of the day, and the importance of having a conversation, with these backgrounds downloaded for your Zoom or Teams background. Download here.