BEING happy or okay may not be such a big leap for some but Warwick High School students and teachers came together on Friday to ask their peers just that - are you okay?

The suicide prevention day R U OK? Day aims to ask the deceptively tough question in an effort to make a difference for those struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.

Staff member Michelle Ferdinand said the high school had participated in the annual event for the past four years.

"The event raises awareness about mental health issues in the school community," Mrs Ferdinand said.

"I did a speech on parade about the figures on suicide and the students were just silent, which is an indicator to me of how much they stopped and took notice.

"It's just important to ask 'are you okay?' in different people's lives."

Implemented by the school wellbeing team, R U OK? Day aimed to start discussions about mental health.

Students were invited to a barbecue lunch and to decorate the courtyard with chalk drawings of what made them happy, while staff gave out lollipops.

Mrs Ferdinand said it was not just students but the whole school that rallied behind this important event.

"It's good because it's not just the kids but the administrators and our deputy principal were out," she said.

"I think it can be a hard thing to talk about if someone is in trouble - we've got a long way to go but we're opening doors

"It's just great to see so many people involved and we'll definitely be doing it again in 2016."

R U OK?

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