Student Intranet - News

Monday, 08 September 2025

University life can be exciting and rewarding, but it also comes with a lot of different pressures – deadlines, study stress, work, family, and everything in between. In the middle of all that, it’s easy to miss when someone around us isn’t doing so well, or to feel like we have to carry our struggles on our own.

That’s why R U OK? Day exists. It’s a national day of action encouraging us to check in with each other and have conversations that matter. This year’s theme, Ask R U OK? Any Day, highlights that we don’t have to wait until September to show care. Every day is an opportunity to ask, listen, and support the people around us.

What’s happening at ECU this Thursday 11 September

• The Living Room Joondalup
  Share a cuppa, have some cake, and join us for light conversation. Free tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and cake are on offer, plus activities like our kindness board.
  Find out more
• The Living Room Mount Lawley – Smoothie Cycle
  Who needs electricity? In celebration of R U OK? Day, pedal your way to a perfect smoothie on our human-powered blender bike.
  Find out more
• Guild Stalls & Activities
  Drop by the Guild’s R U OK? Day stalls at Joondalup for free activities, snacks, cupcakes and self-care prizes.
  Find out more

About R U OK? Day

R U OK? Day was born from lived experience. In 1995, Barry Larkin died by suicide, leaving behind family and friends with profound grief and unanswered questions. His son, Gavin, wanted to honour his father’s memory in a way that might help protect other families from the same pain. In 2009, Gavin championed a simple but powerful idea: encouraging people to ask, “Are you OK?” and listen without judgement.

What began as a documentary project quickly grew into a national campaign, driven by the belief that open conversations can change lives. Even as Gavin faced his own battle with cancer, he remained committed to spreading this message. His legacy continues today through a movement that equips Australians with the skills and confidence to support each other through life’s challenges.

How to ask R U OK?

It can feel daunting to start a conversation if you think someone might be struggling. These four simple steps from R U OK? can help:

1. Ask
   Pick the right moment and ask, “Are you OK?”. Be relaxed, friendly and concerned in your approach. Mention specific things that have made you concerned for them, like "You seem less chatty than usual. How are you going?"
2. Listen
   Give them your full attention without judgement. Take what they say seriously and don't interrupt or rush the conversation. If they need time to think, sit patiently with the silence.
3. Encourage action
   Ask questions, like “How would you like me to support you?” and “What have you done in the past to manage similar situations”. Suggest they talk to someone they trust or seek support if they need it. Be positive about the role of professionals in getting through tough times.
4. Check in
   Follow up in the days or weeks ahead to show you care. Stay in touch and be there for them. Genuine care and concern can make a real difference to someone in need.

Need support?

If you’re finding things tough, you don’t need to go through it alone.

ECU has free support services available, including Psychological Counselling Support and The Living Room. You can also check out the Psychological Counselling Support tip sheets.

For urgent mental health support outside of office hours, ECU students can access the Out of Hours Crisis Line by calling 1300 583 032 or texting 0488 884 232. This service is available 4.30pm – 8.30am on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends.

At ECU, community is built on care. A small question like “Are you OK?” and a willingness to listen can make a world of difference.