Tasmanian LiFE Awards – 2026 Nominee

Ivan’s PhD project, Understanding the Intersection of Literacy and Suicide among Young Tasmanians, examines how language-literacy challenges may influence suicide risk and access to mental health support among young Tasmanians. Ivan’s project will highlight the impact of language-literacy on help seeking and communication, aiming to inform suicide prevention strategies that reach all youth, regardless of their ability to read, write, or communicate distress.

Ivan was undertaking his Master’s in Global Mental Health in Glasgow, Scotland, when he discovered his current PhD opportunity at the University of Tasmania. Prior to this, Ivan had experience with the impact of language-literacy challenges during clinical and community work with young people in a rural village in Indonesia. Many young people he engaged with were experiencing distress that often went unnoticed. Although they were willing to seek support, they struggled to do so because they lacked the words or confidence required. This experience led Ivan to recognise that language-literacy, rarely considered in suicide prevention, may contribute to why some young people are left behind.

Discussions with academics, service providers, and stakeholders have highlighted how forms and online resources can unintentionally exclude young people. This has created a dialogue about improving accessibility and increasing awareness on this issue.

By integrating creative and visual methods, the study provides alternative ways for participants to express themselves beyond written or spoken language, reducing barriers for those with language-literacy challenges. Ultimately, through his PhD, Ivan aims to support the development of suicide prevention strategies that are accessible to all young Australians, regardless of their literacy skills.