Checking In Every Day: ACN’s R U OK? Day with Kindspire Support, Beyond Fun, and Joel Mackay!
At Autism Community Network (ACN), we believe R U OK? Day is every day.
This week, we were honoured to co-host a moving R U OK? Day event with Kindspire and Beyond Fun, bringing our community together to focus on connection, support, and mental health.
The highlight of the day was hearing from Joel Mackay, a suicide survivor who shared his journey with raw honesty, from the shadows of suicidality and hospitalisations to the light of recovery and resilience. Joel’s message was clear: the simple act of asking “Are you OK?” doesn’t just save lives in moments of crisis. It rebuilds trust, creates connection, and strengthens community long after the crisis has passed.
At ACN, this belief is at the heart of everything we do. Whether at our carer groups, social clubs, or family days, you’ll always find someone checking in. These safe spaces are where we share the highs and lows, laugh, cry, and support one another.
To our carers, we say this: self-care is not selfish. With stress levels comparable to soldiers in combat, it’s vital to take time for yourself and to reach out when you need support.
Together with our partners and voices like Joel’s, we are reminded that checking in isn’t just for one day, it’s a way of life.
