Casey’s story

It was roughly 2019 when I first heard about Live4Life. I was researching which programs are out there for youth — out of personal curiosity — as suicide prevention. Community-led initiatives really get me fired up as this, I believe, is such a massive driving force in seeing sustainable change for people longer term.

I was approached to offer a letter of support for the Live4Life model to be implemented in Break O’Day Tasmania, as a pilot outside of Victoria, and was so excited about this prospect. The role of Coordinator then came up, some months later, right as my position with the National Suicide Prevention Trial Site of Break O’Day came to an end, with the finalisation of the trial life cycle. The timing just worked out so well and I am very passionate about our young people. It is really the job of a lifetime for me, and I am so honoured to be here.

I believe that being part of the Crew offers so many opportunities to the young people who embark on this journey. I can see the leadership, personal growth, professional skill development opportunities, social connection, community recognition and empowerment, and so much more.

What I love most about my job is working with young people and being led by them, having an amazing mentor and lead through Cathryn Walder and the whole Live4Life team, knowing that I can call and have that support whenever it is needed, and seeing the commitment and passion from our schools and community — this really gives me a sense of pride and drive in what we are achieving and working towards.