R U Okay? Day – Start a conversation that could change a life
- 10 Sep 2020

We all experience life’s ups and downs, particularly during times like these. Such moments can really challenge us, and sadly many people feel they don’t have anyone to confide in. Today is R U OK? Day, when Australians are encouraged to invest more time in the people around them, to meaningfully connect and support one another. Asking that simple but important question “Are you OK?” could trigger a conversation that changes a life.
R U OK? Day is held on the second Thursday in September, as a national day of action dedicated to supporting those who may be struggling. This year’s message is ‘There’s more to say after R U OK?’
At Baptcare, our mission and vision are lived through our WE CARE values and Wellbeing plays a significant role in who we are, and what we do. Starting conversations with those who may not be quite themselves goes towards living our values, cultivating an encouraging and safe workplace, and strengthening connections with our customers, residents, volunteers, and anyone we come across in our daily lives.
Today, and every day, we encourage you to look for the signs that something’s not quite right with a friend, colleague, loved one, teammate, or neighbour – trust that gut instinct, reach out to them, and ask “Are you okay?”
The question is just the beginning. Have a conversation that could change a life by remembering these 4 simple steps (ALEC):
- Ask R U Okay?
- Listen
- Encourage
- Check in
Resources to assist you:
ruok.org.au/every-day-resources
You can find further information and tools at www.ruok.org.au.
Community news
-
Faces of Baptcare: Pratikshya Raut
Monday 12 May was International Nurses Day, but at Baptcare we celebrate our wonderful nursing staff every day. Great people like Pratikshya Raut, Nurse Unit Manager at our Westhaven Residential Aged Care community – and our latest Face of Baptcare.
- 28 May 2025
-
Volunteer Spotlight: Jasmine and Jean
We always look forward to National Volunteer Week (held this year from 19 – 25 May) because it is an opportunity to celebrate our stellar volunteers. Jasmine Varghese is just one of our many dedicated ‘vollies’. She is a frequent visitor to our Brookview Aged Care community to meet up with resident Jean Black. We asked Jasmine and Jean to tell us about their connection.
- 20 May 2025
-
Faces of Baptcare: Stephanie Gonsalves
I am Operations Manager, Community Services Victoria. This involves providing support to a range of different programs to support our community. That might be sharing tips and tricks to solve problems, connecting great minds to collaborate on ideas, ensuring we are delivering quality services to the people we serve and celebrating the wins!
- 02 May 2025