Lived Experience Advisory Group

John Shearer, New South Wales

I joined the National Advisory Group after I lost two friends to suicide, one week after the other, just before Christmas 2018. As a mental health professional, I couldn’t believe that I didn’t pick up any signals for what was to come; especially when one of my friends slept at my house the night before! I also couldn’t believe the way it was reported in the media, the amount of judgement and stigma that followed and also people’s hush-hush attitude.

What would you like to see the group achieve?

I believe our group can make a difference by telling our stories from a lived experience perspective.

What have you gained by taking part? 

I have learned heaps since the group formed and have a great desire to pass on my new found knowledge to my community. The language around suicide needs to change and the conversation around suicide needs to go to a whole new level

What would you like the public to know about suicide?

There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to suicide. I know it’s hard, but the best thing to do for those who are impacted by suicide is to reach out and show empathy by listening. No more is needed, just show you care. When it’s all said and done, we are all in this together.

Find out more about the Lived Experience Advisory Group
John Shearer, New South Wales
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StandBy is QIP Accredited as an organisation. Implemented by Suicide Prevention Australia and assessed by independent, not-for-profit accreditation provider, Quality Innovation Performance Limited (QIP), the Suicide Prevention Accreditation Program supports organisations to deliver safe, high-quality and effective suicide prevention and postvention programs.

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StandBy respectfully acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as Australia’s First People and Traditional Custodians. We value their cultures, identities, continuing connection to country, waters, kin and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and emerging. We are committed to making a positive contribution to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, by providing services that are welcoming, safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive.

StandBy acknowledges and pays respect to elders, advocates, activists, and allies of our LGBTIQA+SB communities. We affirm the support provided and acknowledge the cost involved in standing up for the rights of LGBTIQA+SB people.

StandBy recognises and honours the continued contribution of those with a lived experience of suicide bereavement. The courage, insight and wisdom of these unique experiences, strengthens the work that we do. We also acknowledge and remember the lives that have ended due to suicide and we encourage ongoing support and care for yourself and each other.

StandBy – An initiative of Youturn jointly funded by the Australian Commonwealth, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland and Victorian Governments.

For immediate crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or QLife on 1800 184 527 or 13yarn.org.au on 13 92 76. In case of an emergency, call 000.

StandBy Head Office
1B Maud Street,
Nambour
QLD 4560

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