Departure Lounge Asks R U OK? (Day)

R U OK?'s vision is a world where we're all connected and are protected from suicide.

Their mission is to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life.

Their goals are to: 

1. Boost our confidence to meaningfully connect and ask about life's ups and downs

2. Nurture our sense of responsibility to regularly connect and support others

3. Strengthen our sense of belonging because we know people are there for us

4. Be relevant, strong and dynamic

In 1995, much-loved Barry Larkin was far from ok. His suicide left family and friends in deep grief and with endless questions.

In 2009, his son Gavin Larkin chose to champion just one question to honour his father and to try and protect other families from the pain his endured.

While collaborating with Janina Nearn on a documentary to raise awareness, the team quickly realised the documentary alone wouldn’t be enough.

To genuinely change behaviour Australia-wide, a national campaign was needed. And from this realisation, and with Gavin and Janina’s expertise and passion, R U OK? was born.

Gavin remained a passionate champion of the fact a conversation could change a life, even as cancer ended his in 2011. His legacy is a national Conversation Movement that is equipping Australians with the skills and confidence to support those struggling with life.

The extraordinary story behind R U OK? was brought to life by Australian Story in 2011. In 2017, six years after they first aired the story of Gavin Larkin, they returned to his family to see how Gavin's extraordinary legacy has helped sustain them through their grief.

If you are struggling and need to speak with someone, you can call Lifeline 13 11 14.

CEO Katherine Newton checked into the Departure Lounge to chat about the key steps we can take today and everyday to support our loved ones, and help save a life.