This October, our team, Step Up for Students, is taking part in Ks for R U OK. We will log our kilometres, build simple daily habits, and raise funds so more young people hear a timely question that could change their day, or their life. I teach high school, I see how many students carry quiet burdens. Small check-ins, done consistently, help them feel seen and supported.
Why we are moving
Teen mental health deserves more than slogans. It needs steady action, practical tools, and adults who are willing to notice and ask. Ks for R U OK turns everyday movement into support for free resources that help kids talk earlier, and get help sooner. The goal is simple, walk or run through October, invite conversations as you go, and raise funds that put proven conversation tools in more hands.
What the funds do
Your donations support free, practical resources for schools, families, workplaces, and community groups across Australia. Think classroom conversation guides, youth friendly activity sheets, staffroom posters, assembly packs, and parent tip sheets. These resources help people ask, listen, encourage action, and check in again. They use plain language and meet young people where they are, in classrooms, locker bays, and sporting clubs.
How to join the team
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Visit our Ks for R U OK team page and search for Step Up for Students.
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Click Join Team, set your October distance goal, then create your fundraising page.
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Share your page with three people today. Family, colleagues, or that friend who always says yes.
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Start moving. Every kilometre counts. Every share helps.
If joining is not possible, donate directly to our page, leave a message for the students we walk for, and help us reach our October target.
Our October plan
We will keep this simple and sustainable, because that is what students need from the adults in their lives.
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Week 1, Habit building. 2 to 3 kilometres a day, short walks before school or during lunch.
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Week 2, Invite a buddy. Walk with a colleague, a friend, or your child. Practice one good question and one quiet minute of listening.
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Week 3, Stretch goal. Add a longer weekend walk, 5 to 10 kilometres. Share your why on your fundraising page.
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Week 4, Finish strong. Celebrate progress, post your total Ks, and check in with someone who might need it.
How to have better R U OK conversations with teens
Students do not need speeches, they need presence. Try this sequence. It is simple and it works.
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Ask. Use a specific prompt. You have seemed flat this week, are you OK.
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Listen. Give them space. Count to ten in your head before you reply.
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Encourage action. Suggest one next step. Would you talk to Student Services, or would you like me to come with you.
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Check in. Follow up in two days. Consistency builds trust.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. If you need support, reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Save those numbers today.
Ways you can help this week
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Join the team and set a modest distance goal. Progress beats perfection.
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Donate the cost of your takeaway coffee, about 5 dollars, or a movie ticket, about 20 dollars.
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Share the team page in your staffroom chat or parent group.
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Walk with a student or a colleague and model a calm check-in.
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Post a photo of your walk and tag it with #Ksforruok.
What we will report back
We will share weekly updates on total kilometres, funds raised, and resource highlights funded by your support. We will also share short reflections from students and staff about conversations that felt helpful, with privacy respected.
A final word
Young people watch what adults do. If we walk, ask, listen, and show up again, they learn that connection is normal, not awkward. Join Step Up for Students, log your Ks, donate if you can, and help us make October a month of steady steps and better conversations.
Thank you for reading, moving, giving, and checking in.
