Lived Experience of Suicide Summit reflections

By Roses in the Ocean

The Lived Experience of Suicide Summit 2025 (LE Summit) was a two-day event held in Brisbane from 13-14 March. It provided a supportive space and platform for robust discussions, opportunities to challenge thinking, strengthen collaborations, and forge partnerships with people with lived experience of suicide.

Roses in the Ocean, Australia’s national lived experience of suicide organisation, shares reflections on the LE Summit.

A multifaceted approach to suicide prevention

From the beginning of the LE Summit Opening Plenary, the event aimed to demonstrate the need for a multifaceted approach to suicide prevention by drawing on the voices of our key partners, MATES, StandBy Support After Suicide and Queensland Mental Health Commission, while also highlighting the perspectives of people with a lived experience of suicide, including:

• Caroline Allen, a grassroots community advocate and consultant, reflecting on the changes that have (and have not) occurred with suicide prevention supports and services over the last two years and what is still needed.
• Budi Sudarto, encouraging people to draw on their experience using their intersectional lens of being culturally and linguistically diverse, and gender non-conformity to empower progress within the sector.
• Vicki McKenna, generously sharing the experiences of First Nations people, highlighting the nuanced approach required for people of all backgrounds across Australia to receive the support and hope they deserve.

Collaboration and shared expertise

The variety of workshops and offerings at LE Summit welcomed delegates to come together, draw from their unique experiences, whether this be working within the sector or their own lived experiences, and contribute to areas of suicide prevention that matched both participants’ areas of expertise and passion.

Workshops focused on considering key issues facing people with lived experience and the sector more broadly, and enhancing and supporting work already begun through partnerships with people with lived experience. It also recognised the duality of those who work within the sector, with their own lived experience of suicide needing to be recognised and supported to access the support of the services they implement.

Prioritising wellbeing and support

Wellbeing supports were a crucial aspect of providing a safe, inclusive and supportive space for delegates. We were delighted to receive positive feedback regarding the Wellbeing Zone - a quiet and reflective space enhanced with peer support. There were also opportunities to creatively reflect and be involved in grounding activities in the Artistic Expressions Workshops, and find furry support with the incredible team from Delta Therapy Dogs.

Beyond the Summit

The unique draw of LE Summit for many is the opportunity for ongoing involvement that continues beyond the two days. Participation creates avenues for ongoing connection and remunerated contribution, as well as a commitment from workshop hosts to share workshop outcome reports and updates as work progresses.

Learn more about LE Summit