Creating communities of C.A.R.E. to prevent suicide

Le Va’s LifeKeepers C.A.R.E. Heroes awards are centred around recognising the heroic, but often unacknowledged, commitment of individuals and organisations whose efforts and perseverance make a vital contribution to suicide prevention. These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things – creating communities of C.A.R.E. to prevent suicide.

C.A.R.E. stands for Connecting with compassion, Asking with courage, Responding with confidence, and Engaging with services and support for those at risk of suicide. The following list of people and organisations names the C.A.R.E heroes Le Va has chosen to honour in 2023 for their commitment to those actions, and to equipping themselves and their communities with the skills and knowledge to prevent suicide.

Silver Kiliva is a fearless yet humble advocate in his South Auckland community, ensuring whānau are being met where they are at and in a space that is comfortable for them.

Teresa Morgan and Joseph Rao are both passionate community engagers in the West Waikato community, selfless working to keep their community safe and thriving.

Lil Leeper of the Wairarapa goes above and beyond to provide tāngata whaiora and their whānau with manaakitanga at all hours of the day and night.

Shaness Parkinson is a bold, creative and loving Northland community wahine providing culturally relevant resources, empowering taiohi and whānau.

Matt Oakley and Ivan Maurirere are two Tairāwhiti tāne, tirelessly connecting with their community to prevent suicide.

Pup Chamberlain refocused his long-term Police career to preventing suicide in his Canterbury community, supporting individuals to recognise their strengths and enhancing their individual skills to help themselves and others.

Wendy Mildon and Ken Haines from Lifting the Lid on Youth Suicide, Hawkes Bay are community driven visionaries enabling taiohi to seek support in ways that traditionally have not been as accessible.

Ngaro Hape is a humble Hawkes Bay hero who has made significant local and national contributions to suicide prevention by supporting community and whānau experiencing psychological distress.

Eight organisations have also been recognised as 2023 LifeKeepers C.A.R.E. Heroes – Anxiety Trust NZ, Victim Support, Surf Life Saving NZ, NZRL, The University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, Lincoln University, and Auckland Council.

On behalf of Le Va LifeKeepers, we thank all of our 2023 LifeKeepers C.A.R.E. Heroes for their heart, commitment and passion to preventing suicide within communities across Aotearoa.