R U OK? Day was last Thursday 10 September, but the conversations and reminders explored across VSV are relevant every day of the year.
To observe the day, VSV developed a short slide deck that was woven into lessons across the school. The resource supported students to feel more confident having an R U OK? conversation, using four simple steps:
- ASK
- LISTEN
- ENCOURAGE ACTION
- CHECK IN
An important part of the learning was recognising that having a supportive conversation starts with looking after yourself, too. Students were encouraged to consider whether they have the capacity to listen and support someone at that moment, and to understand that it is OK to seek help from a trusted adult.
Students were reminded that if they are concerned about a friend, family member, or someone they know, speaking to a trusted adult can help them navigate what to do next.
Seeking help doesn’t mean you’re breaking someone’s trust or a promise — it means you care about their safety and wellbeing. Reaching out for support can take courage, and you don’t have to manage it alone.
The session finished with two practical reflection questions, encouraging students to think about their own next steps:
- Who will you reach out to after this session?
- What is one self-care action you can take over the next few days?
These are simple questions, but they reinforce an important message: looking out for others and looking after ourselves go hand in hand.
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