R U OK? in Trucks & Sheds reassures industry that you don’t need to be an expert to ask, “R U OK?”

*This content discusses suicide. For support, contact Lifeline Call at 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14

Tuesday 6 May 2025 marked the fourth year of R U OK? in Trucks & Sheds; an industry-wide initiative committed to fostering a supportive workplace culture where employees feel empowered and equipped to look out for one another.

Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (Healthy Heads) and R U OK? called on the road transport, warehousing, and logistics industries to embrace this National Day of Action by bringing their teams together for workplace events that focus on the message, ‘Ask R U OK? – No qualifications needed’.

“Ask R U OK? – No qualifications needed aims to reassure everyone in the road transport, warehousing, and logistics industries that checking in with a friend or colleague doesn’t require formal qualifications,” said Healthy Heads CEO Naomi Frauenfelder.

“The campaign and resources provide people in our sector with the tools and confidence to spot the signs a workmate might be struggling, and to ask their workmates how they really are.”

Research has found when authentic, genuine R U OK? conversations happen, they make a positive difference.

Coffs Harbour truck driver Ian ‘Eno’ Taylor has shared his experience of how a series of transformative R U OK? conversations turned his life around after two difficult losses.

“Most truckies find it hard to talk about their feelings because we’re so used to being alone on the job. I had thoughts of suicide after losing my dad (and best mate) at a young age, and again when my marriage broke down. On both occasions, I felt the pressure to be ‘strong’ and bottle up how I was feeling. I turned to drinking and felt so alone in my thoughts,” Eno explained.

“I ended up calling Lifeline and was fortunate enough to have a life-changing conversation with someone who made me realise there are people who care and want to listen. During this time, I also had a mate who encouraged me to go and see a GP. I found myself a good GP and it was the first time that I opened up to a GP and told them how I was really feeling. From there, I also saw a counsellor. I want others to know that it is OK to get the help you need, even if you feel nervous and unsure in the process. I know I’m glad I did.” 

Eno also wants those in the road transport, warehousing, and logistics industries to know we all have what it takes to ask R U OK?

“We overcomplicate what ‘checking in’ means – how we should do it and when we should do it. What’s important is that we do it – it’s true, if you don’t ask, you can’t know how someone really is.”

R U OK? CEO, Katherine Newton said the work of health professionals is vital, however all of us can play a role in supporting those we care about.

“In industries where isolation can be part of the job, a simple ‘R U OK?’ can mean more than you realise. You don’t need to have all the answers — just the willingness to listen, and if a conversation feels too big, you can encourage professional help,” said Ms Newton.

“When you reach out, you’re helping to build a culture where it’s OK to talk about the hard stuff. Thank you to everyone in the transport, warehousing, and logistics industries who is taking action to support their colleagues – your genuine care is changing, and even saving, lives.”

Visit healthyheads.org.au/ruok for FREE resources to help you have an R U OK? conversation and plan future R U OK? in Trucks & Sheds activities.

If you or someone you know needs extra support, contact information for national support services are available at ruok.org.au/findhelp.

Lifeline Australia provides free and confidential crisis support any time, day or night. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online at lifeline.org.au.

13YARN is a free 24/7 service offering crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. Call 13YARN (13 92 76).

MensLine Australia is a free 24/7 service offering support for Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78 or chat online at mensline.org.au.

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