Australia – As part of the observance of the National Day of Action this September 8, the Australian non-profit suicide prevention organisation R U OK? has launched a new campaign to remind everyone that every day passing is a day for someone to check up on their loved ones, family, and friends regarding their mental state.
The ad, conceptualised by Ogilvy Australia, encourages Australians to do what it all takes to have these meaningful conversations and need to be having them with the people they care about every day – in the car, at the beach or around the BBQ.
The organisation also encourages viewers that the ‘R U OK?’ idea is one that speaks to every Australian, giving them the confidence to ask the simple, but potentially life-changing question, ‘are you OK?’.
Katherine Newton, CEO of R U OK?, said “I think it’s a message everyone can relate to because we all think we’re experts in a range of things so why be reluctant when this is something we can actually do. By having regular, meaningful conversations, we can help the people we care about feel supported before they are in crisis and, if that conversation does get too big for us, we can guide them to seek professional help.”
Meanwhile, Toby Talbot, chief creative officer at Ogilvy AUNZ, commented, “I can’t think of a more important subject than mental health in Australia right now. And to have such an iconic Australian director as Justin Kurzel help us bring the idea to life has been huge for all of us. A special shout out to all our production partners who showed us how much they care with their time and effort.”
