‘R U OK?’: Café serves up free coffee for mental health awareness

"Good morning, are you OK today?"

It's the simple question customers are being asked this morning as they are handed a free coffee to help raise awareness about mental health.

It may not seem like much, but just asking the question leads to a wider discussion about the daily struggles thousands in Australia face – and potentially saves lives.

For one in seven of us, clinical depression will rear its head at some point in our lifetime.

To mark 'RU OK? Day', Melbourne café, Home, has given away more than 1000 free long blacks and lattes while asking about their customers' welfare.

"Instead of greeting them 'good morning', we say 'are you ok?'" Home director Robin Ragadwala told 9news.com.au.

"A lot of people have opened up, they have shared their personal problems, work problems.

"There have been a lot of people opening up this morning just from this simple question."

"We wanted to be part of the community and make a difference."

Australian suicide rates peaked at the highest levels in more than 10 years in 2015, with more than 3000 deaths.

This equates to more than eight deaths by suicide each day, Lifeline Australia said.

And while you may wonder how asking a simple question can help, experts say it can sometimes be the difference between life and death.

"I think asking 'R U ok?' can make a huge difference," volunteer Acacia Smith said.

"Getting asked that question can make a big difference - sometimes can even save a life.

Suicide rates among Aussie men are three times higher than female.

The suicide rate amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is more than double the national rate.

For every suicide, it’s estimated there are 65,300 attempts each year.

"Asking 'R U OK?' is the initial step, but the whole point is that you ask the question and then you listen," Ms Smith said.

"It just starts the discussion."

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.