ReachOut.com partners on R U OK? at School program

13 September 2012

Today, we remind all Australians to ask family, friends and colleagues: ‘Are you OK?’

ReachOut.com, Australia’s leading online youth mental health service, is proud to be the Program Partner for R U OK? at School.

R U OK? at School is an initiative that encourages students to start open and honest conversations about their emotional wellbeing. It aims to empower students to both ask the question 'are you OK?' and find the courage to say 'I'm not OK'.

Aram Hosie, Director of Research & Public Affairs at Inspire Foundation, the organisation behind ReachOut.com says: "RU OK?Day is about the difference a conversation can make – something we know first-hand from the way young people support each other online within ReachOut.com, our online mental health service for young people.

This year's ReachOut.com National Survey found more than 83% of young people who access ReachOut.com are students. It reinforces the importance of having the RU OK? program in schools, backed up by services such as ReachOut.com, when the answer to the question is 'I’m not OK'”.

R U OK? at School delivers support to both students and teachers on topics including peer support and how to manage school pressures. By encouraging open communication, RU OK? at School aims to help students manage situations before they escalate into isolation, mental illness, depression or other factors that can result in suicide.