A conversation can change a life

IN 1995, MUCH-LOVED BARRY LARKIN

was far from ok. His suicide left family and friends in deep grief and with endless questions. In 2009, his son, Gavin Larkin, chose to champion just one question to honour his father and to try and protect other families from the pain he endured:

“Are you OK?”

While collaborating with Janina Nearn on a documentary to raise awareness, they quickly realised the documentary alone wouldn’t be enough.

To genuinely change behaviour Australiawide, a national campaign was needed. And from this realisation, and with Gavin and Janina’s expertise and passion, R U OK? was born. Gavin remained a passionate champion of the fact a conversation could change a life, even as cancer ended his in 2011. His legacy is a national Conversation Movement that is equipping Australians with the skills and confidence to support those struggling with life.

Now, R U OK? is asking tradies in New Zealand and Australia to add conversation skills to their toolkits with the release of ‘Tradies Tools to Talk’, a conversation guide to help them know when and how to ask their workmates, “Are you OK?”.

Additional resources feature tradies sharing their stories and practical tips along with information about how to spot the signs someone might be struggling, and clear pathways of support for someone who answers, “No, I’m not OK”.

For tradies, talking about how they’re feeling isn’t always easy and that can add to the pressure for a workmate who might be having it tough.

By making time to genuinely reach out and connect, you can make a difference to someone struggling with life and help them find professional support when it’s needed.

R U OK? Tools for Tradies

Download the free resources including the Conversation Guide for Tradies at: www.ruok.org.au/tradies

For New Zealand resources visit: www.ruok.org.nz/findhelp