Reaching out and asking others the simple question “R U OK?” is the focus of today’s national awareness campaign, which aims to reduce stigma and break down barriers to seeking mental health support.

Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies will today address the 10th R U OK? Day national event at Barangaroo in Sydney, encouraging people across NSW to reach out, ask the question, and encourage others to get help if they need it.

“One of the best things about R U OK? Day is that you don’t need to be a mental health expert, just a supportive friend and a good listener,” Mrs Davies said.

“It’s the phrase that could start a life-saving conversation and lead us to recognise that something is wrong - that our friends, loved ones, work colleagues, or even ourselves, might need help.”

In the lead up to the day, the R U OK? ‘Conversation Convoy’ has travelled more than 14,000km across Australia to spread the word about how individuals and communities can help prevent suicide.

“It’s incredible to see the impact that such a campaign can have on raising the community’s awareness and understanding that suicide can be prevented,” Mrs Davies said.

Recent studies showed an extraordinary 80 per cent of Australians are aware of R U OK? Day, and one in four have participated.

“Suicide prevention is everybody’s business and the NSW Government will keep working with communities across the State to make sure people at risk, no matter who they are or where they live, get the right help at the right time,” Mrs Davies said.

In the 2018-19 State Budget, the NSW Government committed $2.1 billion for mental health services, community mental health supports, as well as announcing a $700 million mental health infrastructure plan.

For further information and R U OK? conversation tips, visit R U OK?.

If you or someone you know needs crisis support, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14. For mental health services in your local area call the NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.