Tasmanian LiFE Awards – 2025 Nominee
Innovative Practice and Research LiFE Award
The Innovative Practice and Research LiFE Award recognises outstanding contributions in the field of suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention through innovative practices and/or research. This award aims to acknowledge research that strengthens our understanding of effective suicide prevention strategies, including those addressing recent events that threaten mental health. It also aims to recognise individuals or groups who have adopted novel and unique approaches to suicide prevention.
Proudly sponsored by Newport and Wildman
Creative Therapies Tasmania
Creative Therapies Tasmania, a Devonport-based allied health clinic, provides music therapy, art therapy and dance and movement therapy for children and adults with severe disability and people living with dementia. Understanding the impact of disabilities and care duties on mental health, the service aims to provide wrap-around support to everyone engaged with its programs.
Creative Therapies Tasmania works with a range of people across its programs and in the community. Its programs are attended by over 60 families. It runs several outreach programs in the greater Devonport area and provides workshops and consults in schools, child care centres, and community health and aged care organisations to help embed therapeutic music and creative arts programs into their services. The service also supports the Exhale Community Choir, which was started in 2020 by Creative Therapies Tasmania’s director, Alex.
Acknowledging the impact that having a disability and caring for someone with a disability has on a person’s mental wellbeing, the service supports the individual and the entire family. Families are unique, and Creative Therapies Tasmania tailors its approach to the specific needs, preferences and cultural backgrounds of participants. Counselling is provided throughout their music therapy sessions, and the service has set up pathways to formal suicide intervention services.
Creative Therapies Tasmania’s innovative approach offers an alternative to traditional talk-based therapy. By addressing complex suicide prevention challenges through creative practices, the service helps individuals and families improve their mental wellbeing in unique and effective ways.
