Tasmanian LiFE Awards – 2025 Nominee
Communities in Action for Suicide Prevention LiFE Award
The Communities in Action for Suicide Prevention LiFE Award acknowledges the crucial role that communities play in identifying and taking action towards suicide prevention. This award recognises any group or community, whether it’s a sports club, community group, or a hobby group, that works together to prevent suicide. This may involve developing a local plan for mental wellbeing and suicide prevention or organising activities that bring the community together to facilitate social connection and provide opportunities to discuss mental health and suicide prevention.
Circular Head Council – Communities in Action
Circular Head Council fosters a supportive and connected community. By partnering with mental health organisations, the Council promotes awareness, education, training and access to resources to the broader community. It actively supports programs and events aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations. The Council’s goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where mental wellbeing is seen as a shared responsibility and all residents feel like they belong.
Mental health and suicide prevention are significant challenges outside of big cities. In regional areas, suicide rates are higher and mental health services are more limited. Recognising these challenges, the Circular Head Council provides training and resources to give staff and community members the skills needed to support people struggling with their mental health. This community-wide approach improves access to services and ultimately promotes wellbeing across the region.
The Council places a strong focus on its staff as well as the community. Through targeted employee training, wellbeing programs, policy frameworks and staff engagement initiatives, it has created a culture of openness, empathy and proactive support. These efforts have significantly reduced stigma around mental health and improved staff morale and wellbeing.
By prioritising the mental health of employees and community members, the Circular Head Council has created a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for both employees and the wider community. This commitment to wellbeing continues to shape a healthier and more resilient community.
