The R U OK? Student Connection Champions Program is a new peer-led initiative designed for secondary schools to strengthen student connection, wellbeing, and help-seeking behaviours through age-appropriate education and engagement. Co-designed with educators and students, the program provides structured, ready-to-use resources that complement existing school wellbeing frameworks while fostering meaningful peer connections. The program responds to growing evidence highlighting the importance of peer support in youth mental health. Findings from the Connecting Young Australians report identified that young people are more likely to discuss mental health concerns one-on-one with peers (69%) than in group settings or with family (42%), and that strong interpersonal relationships are critical to both help-seeking and help-giving behaviours. While awareness of mental health issues among young people is high (77%), stigma remains a significant barrier, with 81% agreeing that people avoid discussing struggles for fear of appearing vulnerable. In 2026, the Student Connection Champions Program is being piloted in two secondary schools ahead of a national rollout in 2027. This presentation will outline the co-design process underpinning the initiative, showcase the program resources, and share findings and insights from the pilot evaluation. The program aims to embed R U OK? principles into school culture year-round and reinforce the message to students to “Ask R U OK? Any Day.”