Are You Okay Day

Categories:: Fun
Tags:: Friendship
Where:: Australia
Date change rule:: 2nd Thursday of September
Holiday emoji:: 💛

Are You Okay Day, observed every second Thursday of September, encourages Australians to check in with friends, family, and colleagues. This day reminds us to ask, listen, encourage action, and check in again, fostering a culture of support and reducing social isolation. Learn how to start a conversation and make a difference.

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Expected Are You Okay Day Deals

Are You Okay Day focuses on mental health awareness rather than commercial deals, with organizations and communities rallying support. The R U OK? organization, the driving force behind the day, partners with various corporate sponsors for fundraising and awareness campaigns. Expect workplaces to host morning teas and workshops, while local community groups organize walks and talks to promote open conversations. Many brands may offer donation-matching programs or special merchandise where proceeds benefit mental health charities. We will update this page with confirmed live events and initiatives as September approaches.

Platform Guide for Are You Okay Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #AreYouOkayDay. Share stories of connection, tips for checking in, or resources for mental health support.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #AreYouOkayDay. Create a community post encouraging people to share how they’re supporting others.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #AreYouOkayDay. Join the conversation by sharing mental health facts, support services, and personal messages of encouragement.

Are You Okay Day Hero

Gavin Larkin

Gavin Larkin was the founder of R U OK?, an Australian non-profit suicide prevention organization. After losing his father to suicide, Larkin was inspired to create a national day of action to encourage people to ask 'Are you okay?' and foster supportive conversations. His vision transformed a personal tragedy into a powerful movement, saving countless lives by promoting connection and early intervention.

History of Are You Okay Day

In 1995, Barry Larkin’s suicide left his family and friends in deep grief and with unanswered questions. In 2009, his son Gavin Larkin chose to do something about his father’s suicide. He came up with just one question to honor his father and prevent more suicides: “Are you okay?” Gavin and a few of his friends decided to turn this into a national campaign. From this realization and with their expertise and passion, R U OK? was born.

Gavin died of cancer in 2011 but truly held on to the belief that a conversation could change a life. His legacy is now a national conversation movement. R U OK? is a harm and suicide prevention charity that encourages people to have conversations that can help others and themselves navigate the difficult times in their lives. In 2011, a documentary was made on the extraordinary story behind R U OK?

R U OK? focuses on building the motivation, confidence, and skills of the help-giver, especially in quickly recognizing suicidal ideations. The organization contributes to suicide prevention efforts by encouraging people to invest more time in their relationships and build an informal support network — friends, family, and colleagues. It is more about developing one’s skills as a helper than it is asking for help when you need it. Are You Okay Day also tries to remove the stigma of mental illnesses.

Are You Okay Day timeline

1995

Death of Barry Larkin

The suicide of Barry Larkin shocks his loved ones.

2009

“Are You Okay?”

Gavin Larkin decides to do something to prevent more suicides.

2011

“Beyond OK”

A documentary film on the founder of R U OK? is made.

2017

Gavin Larkin, Revisited

The documentary team reaches out to Garry Larkin’s family after his death in 2011.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Are You Okay Day

Local businesses can champion Are You Okay Day by creating a supportive workplace culture. Host a ‘check-in’ morning tea, provide mental health resources, or invite a speaker to discuss wellbeing. Encourage employees to take a moment to connect with colleagues and offer flexible support for those who may be struggling. Partner with local mental health organizations for fundraising or awareness events, demonstrating a commitment to community wellbeing.

Are You Okay Day FAQs

When is Are You Okay Day?

In 2026, Are You Okay Day falls on Thursday, September 10. This annual Australian observance encourages everyone to check in with those around them.

What is the R U OK? campaign?

The R U OK? campaign is an Australian initiative that aims to prevent suicide by encouraging people to connect with others and ask ‘Are you okay?’ It provides resources and guidance on how to have these life-changing conversations.

How many Australians are affected by mental health issues?

According to Beyond Blue, approximately one in five Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental illness in any given year. Are You Okay Day highlights the widespread impact and need for support.

What are the four steps of asking 'Are you okay?'

The R U OK? campaign outlines four key steps: Ask R U OK?, Listen with an open mind, Encourage action (e.g., seeking professional help), and Check in (follow up later).

Are You Okay Day Activities

Wear yellow
Yellow is the official color of R U OK? Observe Are You Okay Day by wearing yellow or pinning a smile badge to your lapel. This is an indicator that you are ready to speak with someone who needs help.
“Are you okay?”
Ask yourself and those around you, if they are okay. Start a conversation on Are You Okay Day by simply asking “Are you okay?”. If someone hesitates in answering or tells you they are not doing okay, that’s your cue to spring into action.
Attend awareness programs
R U OK? conducts several awareness programs on suicide prevention on Are You Okay Day. Attend one of the programs to learn how you can be a help-giver and what to do in a serious situation.

5 Interesting Facts About Suicide

Suicides are more common than we think
Every year, more than 700,000 people die of suicide.
Countries are non-uniformly affected
79% of all suicide take place in low and middle-income countries.
Women are more likely to attempt suicide
Women are three times more likely to attempt suicide than men.
Men are more likely to commit suicide
Men are 3.5 times more likely than women to die of suicide.
The queer community is more prone
Youth of the queer community are five times more likely to take their lives than their counterparts.

Why We Love Are You Okay Day

It saves lives
Are You Okay Day is committed to saving lives and preventing suicidal ideations. A question as simple as “are you okay?” can help save lives. How cool and life-changing is that!
It helps us battle loneliness
It is not unusual to feel lonely. However, prolonged loneliness can make us feel unloved and helpless. Are You Okay Day is an attempt to battle loneliness and create informal support networks.
It destigmatizes mental illness
Are You Okay Day and R U OK? also work together tirelessly to destigmatize mental illnesses. Something as simple as accepting mental illnesses and having conversations about them can prevent mental illnesses.