Making connections

In June 2017, the Audi Foundation’s charitable partner, RU OK? embarked on one of its most impactful campaigns yet — the Conversation Convoy. Today, this extraordinary initiative continues to take the RU OK? message across regional communities throughout Australia, from the far reaches of the Northern Territory to the vibrant cultural hubs of Tasmania and all points in between. This 'boots-on-the-ground effort, has become an inspiring sight, spreading a message of care and ongoing support.

The now familiar Audi Q7s in their bright yellow RU OK? livery turning up all over the country have become a regular occurrence – literally travelling in convoy around the country to remind Australians of a simple yet profound message – that everyone has the power to check in with a loved one, offer a listening ear, and ignite a life-changing conversation. It’s a striking vision which has an incredible influence. Whether it's with family, friends, colleagues, or someone in the community, the power of asking "Are you okay?" can have an immeasurable impact.

One of the many wonderful initiatives undertaken by RU OK?, the convoy plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between urban centres and regional Australia, addressing unique challenges faced by each community. Many of the issues that plague rural areas – such as isolation, job insecurity, financial pressures and the aftermath of natural disasters – are often magnified by a lack of accessible services. At each stop, the RU OK? team encourages locals to sit down for a cuppa and have an open conversation about mental health, and these informal chats are where some of the most profound connections are made.

"The beauty of the Conversation Convoy is we meet people where they are, in their towns and communities," says Lachlan Searle, RU OK?'s Community Director. "Straight away, they’re more comfortable in their patch and we get to have conversations that really highlight what’s going on beyond the capital cities." 

This grassroots approach is what makes the convoy so effective, meaning that it doesn't just raise awareness, but facilitates genuine, grounded conversations that resonate with each community's specific needs and struggles.

At every stop, RU OK? provides communities with vital resources to help them initiate meaningful conversations about mental health. This includes tips on how to ask someone if they're okay, how to listen effectively and how to offer support if someone is struggling. The convoy has become more than just a symbol of mental health awareness, but a reminder that no one should feel alone, regardless of where they live.

While mental health challenges are universal, different communities face them in unique ways. This year's convoy held even greater significance as it sought to engage with some of Australia's most underrepresented groups, including multicultural communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For many within these communities, stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier to seeking help.

RU OK? has made it a priority to ensure that mental health awareness is accessible to all Australians, regardless of their cultural or linguistic background. By working closely with local organisations, cultural leaders and elders, the convoy has been able to facilitate culturally sensitive conversations that respect the unique challenges faced by these communities. 

"We don’t pretend to know exactly what we’re going into," Searle explains. "That’s why we always say, ‘the locals know best.’ Local support services know what's happening on the ground and we often collaborate to provide tailored assistance.”

This approach ensures that RU OK?’s message resonates across diverse cultural contexts, helping to break down barriers to mental health support and create a space for openness and understanding. For many in these communities, having culturally tailored support can make all the difference in starting a conversation that could save a life.

One of the most powerful insights gained from the Conversation Convoy is the understanding that, despite vast differences in location, culture, and circumstance, many Australians share similar emotional struggles. Financial pressures, job insecurity, relationship breakdowns, illness and the loss of loved ones are common challenges, whether you live in a bustling city or on a remote outback station. What differs is how these challenges manifest, but the emotions – fear, sadness, anxiety – are universal.

"We visit a range of different groups – from TAFEs and colleges to workplaces, community centres, agricultural shows, and even mines and ports. The pressures are different for every group, but the need for support is the same,” Searle explains.

For example, tradies on a construction site may face different mental health challenges than families recovering from a recent flood, yet both groups need the same kind of support. RU OK? ensures that these conversations happen in environments where people feel comfortable, whether it’s over a coffee at a community event or during a break at work. By tailoring their approach to fit the context of each stop, the convoy ensures that its message of mental health support reaches everyone, no matter their situation.

The creation of peer developed resources is also having a resounding impact. As an example:

“Advisory groups from emergency services, like police and fire rescue, help shape the content we deliver to others within the emergency services. When we present workshops in places like Darwin, we explain that the material was developed with input from peers in regions like Tasmania or Victoria. This immediately builds credibility because they know their colleagues have been involved," explains Searle.

So, what does the mental health landscape of Australia look like at the moment? Realistically it’s a hard one to quantify when you consider that over the past decade, as a population we’ve worked really hard and made significant progress in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Today, more people are discussing and seeking help for mental illness which has led to greater awareness. And as the conversations open and there is resolutely more pressure on service providers, it also emphasises the importance of community-driven support in looking out for one another, especially in the wake of the pandemic. 

As the convoy team keeps detailed logs of the issues raised in conversations across the country, a snapshot of Australia's evolving emotional landscape begins to emerge. While the challenges are varied, one common theme has been the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"During the COVID period, we weren’t on the ground, but isolation and loneliness were certainly right up there in terms of the key factors," Searle notes. “This year, concerns about the rising cost of living have also emerged as a significant issue for many people. However, despite these new challenges, the mission of RU OK? remains the same – to encourage Australians to check in with one another and provide support when it’s needed most.”

As the RU OK? Conversation Convoy moves forward, the goal is to equip every Australian with the tools they need to support one another – you don’t have to be an expert to make a difference. 

“It's simple but powerful: a genuine 'are you okay?' has the ability to deeply connect and engage, especially when someone is struggling. It's not just about asking the question and moving on; it's about being truly present, creating a safe space, and allowing for discomfort or silence. That’s where the real magic happens in an 'Are you okay?' conversation – when people feel safe enough to open up and honestly share that they’re not okay.”

The convoy’s impact has been profound, not just in terms of the conversations it sparks, but in the lasting connections it fosters. Through heartfelt discussions, meaningful interactions, and a shared commitment to looking out for one another, the convoy has become a beacon of hope for communities across the country.

The Audi Foundation remains a proud supporter of RU OK? in this critical mission, ensuring that the conversation continues, no matter where the road leads next.