Lived Experience Advisory Group

Alyson Kernaghan, Queensland

I lost my sister to suicide in July 2018, and it was only 6 months later I applied to be part of the Lived Experience Advisory Group for StandBy. I didn’t entirely know what I expected or what I could contribute, I just knew I had to do something within the suicide prevention space and that I needed to connect and work with others who had had similar experiences and who understood the unimaginable journey that suicide bereavement is.

What would you like to see the group achieve?

Our group is comprised of 10 incredible individuals from varying backgrounds and with varying experiences of bereavement by suicide, all whom are my hero’s. My hope for the group is that we may have influence on how people understand suicide bereavement and mental illness.  We have the goal of supporting StandBy to provide the most effective service, resources and to work towards reducing stigma within our respective communities and around Australia

What have you gained by taking part?  Through my work with these amazing individuals I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of connection and an appreciation for the incredible complexities that suicide bereavement brings. It has also inspired me to delve deeper into my work in this space, having completed ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), my Diploma of Community Services and advocating more within my workplace.  I am more confident in providing effective support to my young clients with mental health challenges or those who present in crisis.

What would you like the public to know about suicide?           

My greatest hope is that one day our society will accept and treat mental illness as they do physical illness.  For this to ever be a reality, we must first challenge our cultural expectations, one conversation at a time.

Find out more about the Lived Experience Advisory Group
Alyson Kernaghan, Queensland
QIP Accredited Logo

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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