R U OK? Day 2025 – A conversation could change a life
R U OK? Day is a timely reminder that a simple, genuine conversation can have the power to change someone’s life.
Held every year on the second Thursday in September, this year’s theme - a conversation could change a life - encourages all of us to notice the signs that someone might be struggling and to reach out with care, empathy and the courage to ask: “Are you OK?”
You don’t need to have all the answers or be an expert to check in on someone. What matters most is showing that you care and are willing to listen.
Start a conversation with these four simple steps:
1. Ask R U OK?
Simply asking someone 'Are you OK?’, ‘what’s been happening’ or ‘how are you travelling’ can make a big difference. It shows that you care and can open the door to a meaningful conversation.
2. Listen
If someone shares their struggles with you, listen without judgement. Sometimes just having someone to talk to can help.
3. Encourage action
Let them know you’re there for them and offer practical support or encourage them to access professional support including through CFA’s Wellbeing program.
4. Check in
Follow up with the person after your initial conversation. Consistent support shows that you genuinely care about their wellbeing.
A small moment of care can have a big impact. So don’t wait. Ask R U OK? today and any day.
Learn more about mental health and wellbeing
CFA has a range of resources available to support you to learn more about mental health and wellbeing.
CFA has a team of volunteer and corporate peers trained to offer mental health and wellbeing support to their fellow CFA members. Meet our peers and learn more about the Peer Support Program here .
Complete online mental health training
The modules include information about how to have conversations with others about their mental health as well as the wellbeing support services available to CFA members and their families.
Host a Wellbeing Workshop
There are six workshops, designed to support members to build resilience, learn how to have wellbeing conversations, build awareness of trauma and recognise changes in their own and other’s mental health and wellbeing.
Delivered by CFA’s Organisational Wellbeing team, the one to two-hour, face-to-face workshops include videos, practical information and personal stories from CFA members. Learn more and book here
Update your Teams background
Download an R U OK? Day background to help raise awareness, show you care and remind your colleagues to check in with one another.
Sign up for our free, web-based wellbeing app - CFA thrive
The mental health continuum is a great way for us to manage and normalise fluctuations in our wellbeing as well as get comfortable with communicating how we are feeling.
CFA thrive allows you to assess where you are on the mental health continuum and provides support options to help you work your way back to the healthy/green range and stay there.
A range of resources and support is available to CFA members and their families. CFA’s Member Assistance Program is always available, offering confidential support whenever you need it.
Contact the Wellbeing Support Line
If you are not OK, or if you notice a change in someone you know, you can contact the CFA Wellbeing Support Line on 1800 959 232 to access free, confidential support that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wellbeing services are available to all CFA volunteers, employees and their immediate family members.
There are also a number of other external professional help services:
- Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
- Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467
- MensLine Australia - 1300 78 99 78