The connection between R U OK? Day and suicide prevention is simple but powerful: conversations save lives.
Research evaluating the R U OK? campaign found that people exposed to campaign messages and activities were up to six times more likely to reach out to someone experiencing personal difficulties than those who were not exposed.1 The campaign continues to strengthen helping attitudes, confidence and behaviours across the Australian community.
Yet many people still worry about saying the wrong thing or feel uncertain about how to approach a conversation when they are concerned someone may be struggling.
This September, we invite every veterinary professional to move beyond awareness and take action:
- Register for the upcoming webinar with Dr Alena Gadoury to learn how we can change the narrative on suicide in the veterinary profession.
- Book a Cultivating Safe Teams Aware session for your workplace and equip your team with practical skills to identify and address psychosocial risks before they become bigger problems.
- Already completed CST Aware? Register your interest in the post-pilot rollout of CST Action and become part of the next wave of veterinary workplaces leading meaningful change in psychological health and safety.
Together, we can build a profession where every veterinary professional thrives.
- Ross et al (2019) Australian RUOK?Day campaign: improving helping beliefs, intentions and behaviours. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, Australia. https://irp.cdn-website.com/22b3e3c9/files/uploaded/COMM_All_GuideToSupportingRUOK_Interactive_230711-d99ff0fd-5c322459.pdf 2/9/26
