R U OK? Day, held on the second Thursday of September each year, serves as a powerful reminder for us all to pause and reflect on the importance of slowing down, asking a simple question and actively listening to the people we care about. At Southport Sharks, our community is at the heart of what we do, and we are proud to support this important cause.

In 1995, Gavin Larkin tragically lost his father to suicide. The pain and grief of that loss motivated Gavin to act and in 2009, he decided to honour his father’s memory and protect other families from similar heartache by championing one question: “Are you OK?”

Life can be overwhelming with its demands – work, school, sport and daily routines. It’s easy to forget to check in on those around us. That’s why today the Southport Sharks team are taking the time to focus on reaching out to each other and ourselves. A simple conversation, as we know, can be a lifeline for someone who might be silently struggling.

To learn more about R U OK? Day, please visit www.ruok.org.au. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that you can always speak confidentially with a professional at Lifeline by calling 13 11 14.