The LiFE Awards (Living is for Everyone) are designed to acknowledge the extraordinary work being done throughout the country in suicide prevention and showcase dedication, innovation and leadership.
The ambition of Suicide Prevention Australia is to celebrate and amplify initiatives that are breaking new ground so that others can learn and embed best-practice suicide prevention solutions across their communities. The LiFE Awards are a vehicle for highlighting best practice across the sector so that everyone can learn from them and be able to introduce new suicide prevention solutions into their own communities.
On Thursday, 7 March 2024 Suicide Prevention Australia hosted the QLD LiFE Award at the MATES in Construction office. The evening showcased the important work being done in QLD by individuals and organisations to prevent suicide and support those in need.
The evening was led by the QLD State Committee Chair, Justin Geange who alongside Suicide Prevention Australia Board Director, Jordan Frith announced the following recipients:
Communities in Action Award: Tuhono Program, Mozzy Foundation
The Tūhono program has the primary objective of promoting Māori and Pacific Islander cultural identity, improving mental health, and preventing suicide within these communities. It achieves these goals in culturally sensitive ways, including cultural workshops, counselling, and community engagement. The program has resulted in increased cultural awareness, improved mental health, and a reduced risk of suicide. The program’s successes are evident in its positive impact on individuals and communities. The program aligns with Mozzy Foundation’s mission of fostering cultural pride, mental well-being, and community support among Māori and Pacific Islander communities.
Outstanding Contribution Award: Dr Kathryn Turner
Dr Kathryn Turner is recognised, nationally and internationally, as a leader in the implementation of the Zero Suicide Healthcare framework.
In 2015, as Clinical Director of the Gold Coast Mental Health Specialist Service, Kathryn was concerned about the number of suicides occurring within the region and the way in which these were reviewed within the health service, independently of the clinical teams who were involved with the person. This led her to investigate models of care that would improve the way in which people who presented with suicidal behaviours were received, managed, treated and discharged from the service into community-based care.
In 2015, she was the first in Australia to introduce the Zero Suicide Healthcare framework developed by the US Education Development Centre. Kathryn achieved a 23% reduction in suicides and a 35% reduction in re-presentation for those placed on their Zero Suicide Healthcare pathway of care.
Priority Populations Award: My Circle
My Circle is a purpose-built, scalable, social platform offering early intervention tools designed to circumvent the risk of mental ill-health. It addresses a gap in the mental health and suicide prevention support ecosystem for young people as a safe and secure platform with clinically moderated peer support.
It offers a peer-to-peer support community with themed spaces to help young people aged 12 to 25 connect with others to receive tailored support and share experiences. There is a library of educational resources, including evidence-based psychoeducation content and self-help courses. There are over 16,200 registrations and over 50 percent of members report improved mental health from social connection, learned coping skills and reduced mental health stigma.
Innovative Practice and Research: RESPOND Training, MATES in Construction
RESPOND Training is a program of MATES in Construction. It is a new idea created specifically for the construction community. This training is designed to give construction industry volunteers, who are trained in safeTALK and ASIST, to have the confidence and skills to provide initial support and direction to worksites and workplaces after a suicide (postvention) or critical incident.
In 2020, Professor Myfanwy Maple delivered a report for MATES in Construction. She recommended developing and delivering evidence-based training on critical incident preparedness and response and a peer support program. This led to the development of the RESPOND training, with the three main take aways from the training being:1: Connecting with the event, 2: Understanding the event, 3: Assisting after the event. The interim report on RESPOND Training shows there is increased confidence by the peer workforce to support and link struggling people to available support services.
Suicide Prevention Australia would like to thank all those who submitted a nomination for the awards. We recognise that through our collective efforts, we are stronger together in preventing suicide.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to our member, MATES in Construction who hosted the event at their Brisbane offices, we greatly value their support.
Recipients of the Queensland State LiFE Award automatically progress into the running of the National LiFE Award which will be held during the 25th National Suicide Prevention Conference, 30 April to 2 May 2024 in Adelaide, South Australia.
For more information about the LiFE Awards, click here.
