R U OK Day

R U OK? logo

Ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day.

Thursday 11 September is R U OK? Day, but we know that whether it’s a friend, family member, partner, or colleague, the people around us go through life’s ups and downs every day. That’s why we want everyone to feel confident to check in with the people they care about and Ask R U OK? Any Day.

R U OK? contributes to suicide prevention efforts by encouraging people to invest more time in their personal relationships and building the capacity of informal support networks – friends, family and colleagues – to be alert to those around them, have a conversation if they identify signs of distress or difficulty, and connect someone to appropriate support, long before they're in crisis.

At the University of Notre Dame Australia, we all have a part to play in creating a caring and supportive community. Sometimes, simply asking “Are you OK?” can make all the difference — a conversation could change a life.

The University will be coming together in a range of ways to mark the day. Stay tuned to the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Teams channel for more details.

To mark R U OK? Day, we’re inviting staff to take part in the following initiatives:

Webinar: Understanding Anxiety (for all staff)

A webinar hosted by the Centre for Corporate Health (CFCH) and presented by Senior Consultant Psychologist, Simone Jeavens (our Employee Assistance Program provider) will be held on R U OK? Day,

Date: Thursday 11 September 2025.
Time: 10:00–10:30am AWST / 12:00–12:30pm AEST
Format: Teams Webinar - to register, email safety@nd.edu.au

This practical and informative session will cover:

  • What is anxiety?
  • What happens in the brain during anxiety?
  • Why it can be hard to switch off
  • Overcoming being “tired but wired”
  • Understanding and responding to panic attacks
  • How to support a colleague or family member with anxiety

This webinar is an important opportunity to reinforce R U OK? Day’s focus on mental health and wellbeing.

Afternoon Tea Events on Campus

In addition to the webinar, staff are invited to connect with colleagues and mark R U OK? Day at afternoon teas across our campuses:

  • Fremantle Campus: Wed 10 Sept 2025, 2–3pm (Fairweathers Bar)
  • Darlinghurst Campus: Wed 10 Sept 2025, 2–3pm (Boardroom, 7th Floor)
  • Broadway Campus: Thu 11 Sept 2025, 2–3pm (Moorgate Boardroom)
  • Broome Campus: Thu 11 Sept 2025, 2–3pm AWST, Notre Dame Hall

Useful Resources

2024 R U OK Webinar

The panel members were generous in sharing their lived experiences, offering insights, guidance and support options for staff across the campuses. The discussion which included contributions from a senior psychologist from Notre Dame’s employee assistance provider; Centre for Corporate Health centred around providing practical tips and tricks on how to commence meaningful conversations and respond to those who may not be coping well with the challenges of life.

Contact us

If you have any questions about R U OK? Day and the events, please contact safety@nd.edu.au.