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.
Proudly sponsored by Lifeline Tasmania
Jarrod Wells and Legana Cricket Club
When Jarrod pitched the idea of a walk to raise awareness of men’s mental health to Chris, Legana Cricket Club President, the Club was quick to agree. The Club prides itself on wrapping its arms around members when they need it most and has helped many members with their mental health struggles in the past. Jarrod is a much-loved member of the Legana Cricket Club, but most members didn’t know he had been struggling with his mental health. In June 2024, between 50-70 club members, their families, and community members walked 10km together to talk about mental health and suicide prevention and hear Jarrod’s story.
Jarrod’s walk raised awareness of suicide prevention, reduced stigma and normalised having conversations about mental health. It also sparked a wave of action. After hearing Jarrod speak, a volunteer came forward to share his own story at the 2025 walk. The event also led to an increase in club registrations from people experiencing mental health issues. In response, the Club chose to explore more suicide prevention mechanisms and training and development opportunities.
Sharing personal experiences of mental health struggles can be confronting, but it can also be very rewarding. Jarrod’s story shows how powerful open conversations can be to inspire real change. His decision to share his mental health struggles has had a significant impact on the Legana Cricket Club, its members, and the broader community and has inspired others to share their own stories, get involved, and feel supported.
