Last Thursday, students came together on the quad for a BBQ in honour of RUOK Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and encouraging conversations around wellbeing. The turnout was a reminder of the strength of our community and the importance of supporting one another, especially in difficult times.

This year's theme, 'Ask RUOK Any Day', emphasises that checking in on the people around us should be an ongoing habit, not just a one-day event. Whether it's your friends, family, teammates, or colleagues, a simple, heartfelt question can make all the difference. Often, people face struggles that they may not readily share, and by consistently asking, we help break the stigma around mental health and open the door for meaningful conversations.

Hamish Andreeas our Mental Health Advocate sums this up nicely…

We don't all click with everyone like it may seem sometimes at King's, a lot of people find it tough to make an actual bond with someone. I say it every time I have the opportunity, and I wish it was said more often but even if you don't 'click' with someone it's important for us to look out for people who aren't necessarily our best friends. I'm not saying you need to ask every single person at King's RUOK? But I'm encouraging you to at least broaden your circle and say 'hello' as you walk by others, because we are all a family at Kings, and you never know when someone is struggling.

Regular check-ins build trust and create a safe space where people feel comfortable discussing their challenges. When life becomes overwhelming, it's crucial that everyone knows they have someone to talk to—a friend or peer who genuinely listens.

This message resonated even more deeply for our community last week, as we came together to farewell Lynda Murphy. Her loss was a heavy one, and it has underscored just how essential it is to look out for one another, especially during tough times.

RUOK Day serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness, like asking if someone is OK, can have a significant impact. As we move forward, let's keep the conversation going and continue to support each other—not just on RUOK Day, but on Any Day.