R U OK? Day 2026
Today, Thursday 10 September, is R U OK? Day. Here's what the day is all about, and what it means to us at Pre-Emptive Healthcare.
What is R U OK? Day?
Today, the second Thursday of September, is R U OK? Day: a national day of action run by R U OK?, an Australian suicide prevention charity. In the charity's own words, its mission is "to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life".
The idea behind the day is simple: a genuine conversation with someone who is struggling can make a real difference, and you don't need to be an expert to have one. R U OK? is also clear that the question shouldn't wait for one day a year: any day is the right day to ask someone how they're really going.
You can learn more about the day, and find practical guides for starting the conversation, at ruok.org.au.
What it means to us
R U OK? Day is all about promoting awareness. This involves recognising when people are struggling and having the confidence to ask them about it. Support is not limited to professional services. Friends, families, colleagues, and communities share this responsibility, which frequently begins with a single conversation.
The day serves as a reminder to check on others, listen to them attentively, and direct them toward professional help when necessary.
Support is available any time
- Emergency: if someone is in immediate danger, call 000
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24 hours)
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (24 hours)
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (24 hours)
- Kids Helpline (ages 5 to 25): 1800 55 1800 (24 hours)