R U OK? Day: Building a Culture of Care and Connection at Faith

At Faith Lutheran College, wellbeing is at the heart of how we care for and support our students. R U OK? Day is a valuable reminder that checking in with one another can make a profound difference in creating a culture of connection and belonging.

Middle and Senior School College Counsellor, Heidi Thompson shares: 'R U OK? Day is a national initiative that reminds us of the power of a simple question: 'Are you okay?' This day is about building connections and showing genuine care for those around us. Checking in with friends, family, colleagues, and classmates can make a real difference - sometimes even saving a life.
Adolescence is a time of significant change - academically, socially, and emotionally. While these years can bring excitement, they can also bring pressure, stress, and feelings of isolation. R U OK? Day is a timely reminder that young people don’t have to carry these challenges alone. Asking 'Are you OK?' opens the door to conversations that break down stigma around mental health and encourage help-seeking early, rather than waiting until things feel overwhelming. It reinforces that showing care isn’t about having all the answers but about listening without judgment and helping a friend feel seen and supported.
For young people, peer connection is especially powerful. When classmates and friends learn how to check in with each other, it builds a culture of compassion and belonging. These small, genuine acts of care can boost confidence, reduce loneliness, and even protect against more serious mental health challenges.
R U OK? Day encourages our students to remember that every conversation matters and that by speaking up and reaching out, they have the power to make a difference in someone’s life. Most importantly, it reminds us that caring conversations should not happen just once a year, but every day. Asking, listening, and supporting are small acts that help create a culture of kindness and belonging across our College.'
We are grateful to all the staff at Faith who walk alongside our students every day. Their care, advocacy, and presence ensure young people feel supported and reminded that they are never alone.