02 May 2018
Due to popular demand, the national LifeKeepers Awards for suicide prevention are returning for 2018. Plans are underway to once again celebrate the efforts, dedication and commitment of the individuals and organisations out there championing this cause in our communities across the motu.
September 2017 saw the launch of Le Va’s LifeKeepers national suicide prevention training programme, which coincided with the inaugural LifeKeepers Awards. Read more about the amazing 2017 LifeKeepers Awards recipients and their heroic efforts preventing suicide in their own communities.
These awards – hosted by Le Va and sponsored by CASA – were designed to recognise the heroic but often unseen commitment of community members who persevere with effort and dedication to make a vital contribution to suicide prevention in Aotearoa. Communities play a key role in reducing suicide, and we know that there are many individuals and organisations who work tirelessly to be a part of the solution, to support those at risk of suicide to get the help they need.
The 2017 supreme award went to Zack Makoare of Hawke’s Bay. Zack and his wife Gina run Te Taitimu Trust in the Hawke’s Bay. The couple lost their son to suicide in the early 2000s and have been motivated by this loss to support and nurture young people in their community. Their trust helps to prevent suicide by providing a range of activities for Māori youth and their whanau, including a week-long camp focused on building resilience, connectivity, self-esteem and leadership. This award not only acknowledges Zack’s hard work and dedication, but includes a scholarship which will enable Zack to attend the International Association for Suicide Prevention’s Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Waitangi in May 2018.
For 2018 the LifeKeepers Awards will be held in mid-September, to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day. We will allow once again be given the honour and privilege to showcase and share the work and vital contribution that these inspiring individuals and organisations make to suicide prevention in Aotearoa New Zealand.
If you’re keen to know more, please email joseph.lundon@leva.co.nz or steve.cribb@leva.co.nz.