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 21 March 2024, the Tasmanian LiFE Awards were held at the Lifeline Tasmania offices in Bellerive. The evening showcased the important work being done in Tasmania by individuals and organisations to prevent suicide and support those in need.
The evening was led by Tasmanian State Committee Chair, Michael Kelly, who announced the following recipients:
Communities in Action Award: Eureka Clubhouse
Eureka Clubhouse supports those with lived experience in mental health. The Clubhouse empowers and fosters its community, with members encouraged to unlock their potential and connect with others on similar journeys, creating a safe space for mutual support on the path to recovery. Eureka’s approach encompasses work-ordered days, recreational activities, and employment support to address the diverse needs of over 350 people who attend activities throughout the year. There is a comprehensive strategy for suicide prevention to provide individuals with tools for personal and professional success and aids in suicide prevention while breaking down social stigma. Activities such as the Clubhouse Band (Mentally Health as Anything), Walking Soccer, Karaoke, Art therapy and Community Currency programs enable members to explore interests, build friendships, and acquire valuable life skills, contributing to a holistic environment fostering purpose and achievement.
Outstanding Contribution Award: Jane Austin
Over the last 17 years, Jane has been a determined champion for Tasmanian Suicide Prevention, working in various policy roles within the Department of Health. Her work includes: the development, implementation and coordination of Tasmania’s first and two subsequent Suicide Prevention Strategies; the establishment of the Tasmanian Suicide Register; collaborating with and championing community voices to support community led suicide prevention, including the establishment of community action plans in Tasmania; advocating for the continuation of the Tasmanian Mental Health Reform Program; playing a key role key role in influencing proposed changes to infrastructure projects in preventing suicide. She has also been instrumental in establishing Connection with People training for frontline professionals across the state to equip them in responding to people in suicidal distress.
Outstanding Contribution by a Young Person: Meriem Daoui
Meriem, a 23-year-old healthcare worker from Kingston, is a passionate advocate for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. She uses social media to raise awareness and funds for important causes, such as children’s cancer, mental health, racism, and bullying. In 2021, she organised the “Everest Challenge,” running the point to pinnacle course every day for one week to raise over $11,000 for The Tim Blair Run for Kids Foundation for childhood cancer. Her personal journey is marked by battles with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders over the past decade. She passionately believes in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and encourages open conversations on the topic. Meriem also shares her personal experience of moving to Tasmania at a young age, wearing the hijab, and enduring bullying due to her differences. Her story is a source of inspiration for those who have faced similar challenges and highlights the importance of resilience.
Innovative Practice and Research Award: Laura Grattidge
Laura ensures the inclusion of people with lived experience in her research design and implementation to support, inform and empower individuals and communities. She links research findings with practical outcomes as shown in initiatives such as the evaluation of the National Suicide Prevention Trial (NSPT), Grumpy Goat Care Farm and bringing the Live4Life model to Break O’Day. Laura has presented her work in different forums, including community-level presentations and conferences. Her work has been published in highly ranked journals and contributed to suicide prevention policy at a national level. She is involved in committees and working groups, such as the Tasmanian Premiers Suicide Prevention Research and Data working group and Suicide Prevention Australia’s Tasmania/Victoria Joint Committee. At an international level, Laura represents Australia at the Global Mental Health Peer Network where she established the suicide prevention sub-committee.
Best Practice in Workplace Award: The Kingsway Barbershop
After the Launceston barbers became aware of clients opening up to them and being concerned that staff were equipped to handle conversations, the Barbershop ensured that all staff undertook Mental Health First Aid Training in order to be able to refer, connect and chat with their customers. The training gave staff insight into mental illness and mental health issues and provided skills around reading body language, seeing the signs in those who need help, picking up on the little things that clients might say and then being able to build the conversation from there. The Barbershop staff recognise that just by having a discussion where a client might identify that they’re having a hard time can serve as the first step to that person being able to move forward and seek help.
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.
Recipients of the Tasmanian State LiFE Awards automatically progress into the running of the National LiFE Awards 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.
