R U OK? Campaign encourages grassroots community sport participants to address mental health challenges

As people plan activities to mark R U OK?Day on Thursday 11th September, national suicide prevention charity R U OK? is helping Australians bridge the confidence gap through sporting communities - explaining that regular, meaningful conversations can change lives.

The reminder comes as new research reveals a confidence gap when it comes to having meaningful R U OK? conversations.

The research Three in four Australians believe it’s important to regularly ask someone if they’re ‘OK’, but a third might hesitate - even when they sense someone might be struggling. This hesitation often stems from concerns they might say the wrong thing, invade someone’s privacy, or not know how to help.

Psychologist, suicidologist, and R U OK? Board Member Annie Fardell Hartley says the data tells a different story, with an overwhelming majority of people surveyed (88%) feeling grateful and supported when someone asked if they were OK.

Fardell Hartley explains “these conversations matter and they’re often more welcome than we think.

“People don’t expect you to have all the answers or the perfect words. They value trust, genuine care, and someone who really listens.”

As sport and recreation plays a vital role in promoting mental wellbeing and social connection across Australian communities, R U OK? is helping Australians bridge the confidence gap through sporting communities and mark not only R U OK?Day in September but to ‘Ask R U OK? Any Day’.

R U OK? Chief Executive, Katherine Newton states “R U OK?Day, our National Day of Action, is a powerful reminder, but it’s what we do regularly that truly makes a difference.

“We want Australians to feel confident to check in with the people they care about - not only on R U OK?Day, but any day.

“Our research shows those who regularly have R U OK? conversations are significantly more likely to report increased feelings of wellbeing.”

In addition, Newton is pleased to note a third of Australians say they’ve been checking in with others more often over the past year - a sign that more people are actively stepping up to support those around them.

These are more than statistics, they reflect real life and for R U OK? Community Ambassador Jake Bateman from HITsa Training and Employment, the message is deeply personal.

Bateman, who previously worked for the umpiring department at the AFL, notes “sport has always been a big part of my life, and I’ve seen how the pressure to perform on and off the field, as well as in a coaching or official capacity can weigh heavily on people.

“What’s stuck with me is how powerful a simple check-in can be.”

R U OK? has dedicated resources to help those in sporting communities build confidence and skills including the four steps of an R U OK? conversation, or ALEC, which stands for Ask, Listen, Encourage Action, Check In.

Bateman adds “it doesn’t have to be formal or complicated, just from a place of genuine care. That’s why I believe in creating spaces in sport where people feel safe to speak up and support each other.

“Sometimes, all it takes is one conversation to remind someone they’re not alone, so don’t wait for a special occasion, ask 'are you ok?' any day.”

Newton says for those who might be unsure what to say, R U OK? is there to help, going on to advise "you don’t need to be an expert to ask someone if they’re OK, and you don’t have to do it alone. It’s natural to feel nervous, but that’s why R U OK? is here.

“Our resources are free, simple, and designed to help you feel more confident to check in with someone you care about. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back.”

Click here for more information on R U OK? Initiatives. ruok.org.au

Lifeline offers free and confidential crisis support, available 24/7. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online at lifeline.org.au

MensLine Australia offers a free 24/7 telephone and online support for men with emotional health and relationship concerns. Call 1300 78 99 78 or visit mensline.org.au

13YARN offers a free, 24/7 crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Call 13 92 76 or visit 13yarn.org.au

Images of R U OK? events courtesy of R U OK?