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
Men’s Shed Health Outreach
Kentish Community Men’s Shed is a welcoming and well-regarded space in Sheffield that brings together men from all walks of life, regardless of age, background or skills.
Recognising a range of health issues and experiences across the group, the Men’s Shed set up a safe and accessible health program for its members. Each month, a local nurse from Rural Health Tasmania visits the shed to help with a range of physical and mental wellbeing questions and concerns. These visits have had a positive impact on the group’s mental health and help direct members to further specialist care and support when needed.
Most men have learned from our culture that they aren’t supposed to talk about their feelings. This can make them reluctant to talk about their emotions and that means that they usually don’t ask for help. The Men’s Shed Health Outreach provides a safe space for them to talk to a trusted health professional about whatever is on their mind. Meanwhile, the Men’s Shed gives them social connection and mateship.
The Men’s Shed movement has become a powerful tool to improve men’s health and help them feel valued and part of the community. Through the Health Outreach program, the Men’s Shed is not only helping to keep their members healthy, but also the wider community.
