After a challenging year of overcoming bushfires, flooding and a global pandemic, schools across NSW are taking time to pause and check in with their communities for R U OK? Day tomorrow, Thursday 10 September.

The 2020 theme, 'There's more to say after R U OK?' focuses on meaningful discussion and what to do if someone says they’re not ok.

To support conversations with students, the department has updated parent and carer resources written by ReachOut – Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people and their parents. Topics include:

• Depression and teenagers
• Using apps for mental wellbeing
• responding to online bullying
• Mental health: Words you need to know.

Staff are also encouraged to ask one another if they’re ok. Support is available for staff and their families through the Employee Assistance Program (staff only), which offers up to three free, one-hour sessions.