R U OK Day – September 11th 2025
R U OK? Day encourages Australians to check in on those around them. This national observance, held every September, raises vital awareness of mental well-being and reminds us that small actions, such as asking “Are you OK?” can make a significant difference, here in Perth and across Western Australia. Simple conversations support community safety and foster awareness where mental health is everyone’s responsibility.
About the Day
R U OK? Day is set as the second Thursday in September and is a dedicated time when Australians are encouraged to connect, listen, and support people who may be struggling. The day’s message is a simple, meaningful, genuine conversation that can help someone from feeling isolated be given hope. This message has grown and now plays a crucial role since its inception in 2009.
Why It Matters
Mental health touches every family, workplace, and community. In the last year alone, over 1 in 5 Australians, which is about 4.3 million people, experienced a mental disorder, with rates highest among young people. Anxiety, stress, and depression often go unseen, and research shows that timely support is crucial for recovery. In Western Australia, proactive care and early conversations can have a profound impact on lives.
Training That Makes a Difference
R U OK? Day reminds us that a simple question can be life-changing, but it also highlights that more Australians are struggling, and more of us want to help. As awareness of mental health challenges grows, so too does the need for practical, evidence-based training that equips people to respond with confidence and care.
The rising incidence of suicide and psychological distress has prompted a surge in interest in these courses across workplaces, community organisations, and care settings. People aren’t just asking “Are you OK?”, they’re seeking the skills to act when the answer is “No”.
Bestwest Care, based in Kwinana, delivers nationally-recognised mental health training designed to turn empathy into action. These courses empower participants to recognise warning signs, respond appropriately, and guide others toward professional support:
- Introduction to Mental Health – An online mental health course focused on developing your mental health awareness and how to provide compassionate support to individuals, family and friends who may be struggling.
- Mental Health First Responder – Also known as mental health first aid, this hands-on course empowers you to recognise early signs of mental health challenges and respond with calm, effective first-line support.
- Certificate IV in Mental Health – A Cert IV qualification for skills and knowledge to provide self-directed recovery and support services to people with co-existing mental health and drug and alcohol dependencies, working with trauma-informed care frameworks. Also available as a fee free course for eligible participants.
Flexible delivery options are available to suit busy Western Australians, whether you’re upskilling for your role or simply want to make a meaningful difference.
Why Choose Bestwest Care
Bestwest Care is a Perth-based Registered Training Organisation (RTO) with a strong reputation for delivering quality, accredited training. Recognised nationally, our courses are designed to meet the needs of individuals, community groups, and workplaces across Western Australia.
What makes us different is the depth of experience our trainers bring and the depth of training they deliver. Many have worked in healthcare and community care settings, offering practical insights that make each session relevant and engaging. We also know that no two workplaces are the same, so we tailor our training to suit sectors including healthcare, aged care, construction, and education.
Choosing Bestwest Care isn’t just about meeting compliance. It’s about building real capability, equipping yourself and your team with skills that save lives.
Get Started Today
Let us make a difference this R U OK? Day and beyond. Explore Bestwest Care’s mental health training courses by enrolling in an upcoming intake or contacting the team to arrange workplace sessions. Take the next step to keep your community strong.