Sensis: The "how to" guide to create a Conversation Corner in your school

Whether this area is used as a visible reminder of the importance to talk to one another, or the place to have that meaningful chat, it's a space that students, teachers and parents can create together.

Initially part of the R U OK? Bench project funded by Sensis, this kit can be used by any school.

We chatted with our School Ambassador Sarah Jackson about the Conversation Corner Kit and why she's such a big fan.

Q: What did you think when you first heard about the Conversation Corner idea?
A: Awesome! All schools should have one, build one, and make one. I also thought... How can we have a convo corner online! That's my next challenge for R U OK? :)

Q. Why do you think this is so important for schools?
A: Schools deal with so many conflicting issues on a daily basis. Having a space to talk that's comfortable, inviting and friendly is an excellent way to open up and have conversations with friends and colleagues. Having a constant reminder that we need to ask how people are going at school is also important, as they are such fast-paced places where students and teachers sometimes need a reminder to stop and ask.

Q. How has your school embraced the Conversation Corner and R U OK? message?
A: Our school designed an R U OK? garden bed surrounding the convo bench. We used some of the lesson activities from the R U OK? website in PDHPE and Pastoral Care groups to bring the message to the fore. We also had a staff meeting in regards to why asking "are you ok?" is so important of ourselves.

Q. How can schools develop their own Conversation Corner?
A. Find a calm and well-used space where students already like to hang out. That way, it will be "part of the furniture" and more likely to be used each day. Use the benches in that area as possible places to sit and chat and invite students to decorate them. And importantly, reinforce the value of conversations so it becomes part of the fabric of the school culture and ethos. Also, have the design of the space led by students, so it's most effective and appealing.

Download the kit today! https://ruok.org.au/school