2019 Winners

Winners were announced at an award ceremony that took place at the Waterside Pavilion, Hobart on Wednesday 8 May.

2019 LiFE Award winners were:

Outstanding Contribution LiFE Award was jointly awarded to Mark Davis and Len Blair

Joint Winner – Mark Davis

Mark contributes to various co-design and policy matters concerning both mental health and suicide on an on-going basis and is an active member of both the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network and Flourish. Mark aims for around 20 hrs per week as a volunteer on-line peer support worker with Beyond Blue and is a member of the Beyond Blue Speaker’s Bureau.

Joint Winner – Len Blair

Len has been involved with the Ulverstone Neighbourhood House and the Ulverstone Community Shed for 6 years where he has helped to strengthen the community and provided support for those in challenging situations or at risk of social isolation. Len has promoted positive mental health messages at various community events and expos including the Ulverstone Beyond Blue Gala Dinner. Through his many actions, Len has become a recognisable community champion for mental health and social inclusion.

Communities in Action for Suicide Prevention LiFE Award was awarded to Channel Men’s Shed Inc

Over the last 6 years the organization has provided a place for both men and women to come together and form friendships and support each other and their community. The Shed has provided many retired people, with purpose and companionship and supports those who are unemployed, helping them to gain confidence and seek supports. The Shed has taken a pro-active approach to supporting health and mental health and in collaboration with local service providers has hosted annual health check days for the past 3 years.

Best Practice in Suicide Prevention in a Workplace LiFE Award was awarded to Ambulance Tasmania

Ambulance Tasmania have embarked on a significant cultural change program which is directly aimed supporting the mental health and wellbeing of their staff and volunteers. Key initiatives have included peer-support program and organisational upskilling via the connecting with people approach. The impact of this approach has directly influenced a change in the attitudes, beliefs and conversations within Ambulance Tasmania about mental health and wellbeing.

Outstanding Contribution to Suicide Prevention by a Young Person LiFE Award was awarded to The Hutchins School

In 2019, 80 senior school students aim be trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid. This student-led initiative fills an important need for young people to feel adequately prepared to support their friends dealing with mental health issues. Students have the courage to engage in genuine conversations with friends about how they are travelling, particularly when they notice a change in their demeanour. Work over the last few years has contributed to a normalising of these conversations.