Suicide Prevention Australia has announced the recipients of the 19th Annual National LiFE (Living is For Everyone) Awards which celebrate the commitment and determination of those working towards the reduction of suicide within our communities.
Suicide Prevention Australia CEO, Nieves Murray said, “We are delighted by the number of quality nominations showcasing the important and innovative work that many Australians are doing. Especially given the tough challenges many have faced over the last two years with the pandemic.
“We are continuing to see people work tirelessly in the prevention of suicide and support of those affected by suicide. We will continue to work together to turn the trend towards zero and today we celebrate the commitment of those within our communities.”
The National LiFE Awards include three categories including leadership, innovation, and impact. This morning at Parliament House, Canberra, Assistant Minister of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride announced the three national LiFE Award winners.
The recipient of leadership, Professor Helen Christensen AO. Professor Christensen is a Scientia Professor at the School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales. She has made significant discoveries and has influenced policy over the past decade, resulting in an outstanding contribution to evidence-based suicide prevention.
Ms Christensen introduced and implemented a system’s approach to suicide prevention, the use of internet interventions in suicide prevention and the development of new research translation projects, such as reaching those who don’t proactively seek help.
In 2020, Ms Christensen served as a member of the National Suicide Prevention Taskforce, contributing to the final advice delivered to the Prime Minister by Christine Morgan in December 2020.
She has published more than 600 research papers in mental health and suicide prevention including a landmark publication of ‘What can be done to Prevent Suicide in Australia’ in 2020.
The recipient for innovation, ifarmwell. ifarmwell is the first farmer-focused, self-help website informed by what farmers have said they want and what research shows is likely to help them navigate the types of challenges they face.
The mission of ifarmwell is to equip farmers with new tools that reduce the negative impact that stressful situations have on their lives, so they have more time and energy to focus on the things that make them happy.
The recipient for impact, PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia). PANDA supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood.
The organisation strives for a community where perinatal mental illness, such as depression and anxiety are recognised and the impact on parents, children and their families is minimised through early detection, support, and education.
Their goal is to support people experiencing perinatal mental health challenges and work towards an Australia in which stigma, shame and barriers to treatment and support no longer exist.
PANDA operates Australia’s only National Helpline for individuals and their families that provides access to counselling and information to assist with perinatal anxiety and depression recovery.
“On behalf of Suicide Prevention Australia, I’d like to thank and congratulate the 2022 recipients for their vital contribution to the lives of others and all who submitted nominations. The LiFE Awards help showcase the important work so many do around Australia,” said Nieves Murray.
The 2023 LiFE Awards will open for submission in the coming weeks. If you’d like to learn more head to our website for more information.
ENDS
To get help 24/7, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, phone 000 for emergency services.
Help to report about suicide safely is available online: Go to https://mindframe.org.au/
Media enquiries:
Clare Kinsella 0427 689 689 or clarek@suicidepreventionaust.org
Georgina Beasley 0437 552 280 or georginab@suicidepreventionaust.org
