KitKat has announced a new partnership with Australian suicide prevention awareness charity R U OK? to encourage conversation around mental health.
The KitKat team is encouraging Aussies not just to “have a break”, the chocolate bar’s long-time slogan, but to also have a ‘Chit-Chat’ and drive conversations that could change lives.
In the announcement posted on Nestle’s official website, the chocolate brand revealed that a series of limited edition KitKat wrappers will include R U OK? branding in support of R U OK? Day on September 10th.
“As a brand, KitKat is synonymous with taking a break; whether it’s at work or at home, long or short, it’s important to take some time out,” said Nestle Head of Marketing Confectionery, Joyce Tan.
“How that time is spent is also important, which is why we’re proud to partner with R U OK? and encourage people to use this time to have a meaningful chit-chat that could make a difference.
“We’ve long seen people use KitKat bars as a catalyst to have a break, so we hope by joining forces with R U OK? we can encourage people to use these breaks to drive genuine conversations between people.”
R U OK? was founded in 2009 by Gavinm Larkin, and holds its annual dedicated R U OK? Day on the second Thursday in September each year to encourage Aussies to connect with people, address social isolation and promote community.
The day feels more important than ever in 2020 as the global pandemic continues to force isolation and social distancing upon many who may already be struggling with mental health.
“We welcome the support of KitKat as our R U OK? ‘Chit-Chat Partner’,” added R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton.
“Making time for the people in your world can make a real difference and sharing a break is a great opportunity to pause, consider others, and start a meaningful conversation.”
The announcement follows extended stage four lockdown measures for Victorians, with previous lockdowns already leading to spikes in poor mental health and suicides according to Sydney University’s Brain and Mind Centre.
The R U OK? KitKat will become available at the end of August.
