BY KEELY JOHNSON

R U OK? campaign ambassador, Jacob Ridgeway, has set off across the country as part of the Conversation Convoy Tour.

Jacob, a University of Newcastle Bachelor of Music student, became involved the R U OK? campaign because of his own struggle with depression, PTSD, loss and grief.

In his new role, Jacob is touring the country as a performer and motivational speaker, after finding music was a key tool in his own journey to healing.

“Me and the other ambassadors are currently sharing our stories with rural communities, in hopes to spread suicide prevention awareness,” he said.





The talented musician has visited Darwin, Broome and Tennant Creek, with visits to Mt Isa, Katherine, Kununurra, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing, Mataranka, Longreach, Rockhampton and Hervey Bay in store before the end of this month.









Jacob says the Convoy has been a great success so far.







“We just had around 250 extremely engaged students, staff and community members of Tennant Creek come and learn about the campaign’s cause.






“It’s been an amazing experience to visit urban, rural and remote communities so far. We have such a beautiful country with beautiful people,” Jacob said.

The group will be visiting Newcastle and surrounding coastal areas early next month.

“On September 7th, we will be at Civic Park from 8:30 am till around 10:30am. There will be guest speakers, games, activities and performances to share their stories with suicide prevention.”
To keep up with the convoy visit the R U OK? website’s

‘latest news section’

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Image source: Ben Houston Photography