R U OK? Day is dedicated to reminding everyone to ask “Are you OK?” as a way to support people who may be struggling with life’s ups and downs.

The specific message fo this year is “Are they really OK? Ask them today” which encourages us to take positive action now rather than waiting until someone’s visibly distressed or in crisis. Make the moment meaningful by asking someone how they’re really going. Your conversation could change a life.

The Oasis Student Wellbeing Centre and Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) are holding a pop-up event in the Plaza at Bedford Park from 11am to 2pm on Thursday 9 September, providing free snacks, live music, giveaways and meaningful conversation. Look out for our Wellbeing Ambassadors to chat about the meaning behind R U OK? Day.

You can also head to the Instagram account oasis_at_flinders to see some online interviews about what RUOK day means to some of our students, staff and academics.

The Oasis teams will be at Sturt, Tonsley, and FMC from 11.30am to 1.30pm on Thursday, handing out free cookies, snacks and drinks.

For more information about R U OK? Day, visit the website www.ruok.org.au

If you or someone you know is having a difficult time, confidential counselling support is available to all students through the Flinders counselling service between 9am and 5pm on weekdays. To speak with a counsellor call (08) 8201 2118 or email counselling@flinders.edu.au. Outside of business hours (including on weekends and public holidays), crisis counselling support is available by calling 1300 512 409 or by texting 0488 884 103.