For Life

Uniquely positioned to provide support, barbers of Launceston were invited to undergo an accredited Mental Health First Aid Program with an aim to assist the community in finding mental health support and providing a safe space for conversation.

The Barbers For Life initiative started with a set of mental health support tools and resources for the community and barbers to access and has since evolved into a broader community wide initiative. With a variety of training options rolling out to customer service focused businesses, support workers and the wider community.

Suicide is a whole-of-community concern, meaning the prevention of suicide is not something that can be achieved by one organisation in isolation – it is something that must be tackled by the entire community.

Community members can get involved and support this initiative across Launceston to promote awareness and local engagement.

Examples of how you can get involved include:

• Taking part in community suicide prevention training programs, organise and participate in community awareness campaigns through social groups, workplaces and more;
• Promote a common language around mental health, mental ill-health and suicide in Tasmania by signing The Tasmanian Communications Charter;
• Learn more about services and support avenues that are available in the community; and
• Look after yourself physically and mentally and support others when they need help.

Please be aware the stories below may contain reference to suicide. Should you feel this might cause any discomfort, please do not read further. The City of Launceston presents the personal stories of seven people and their experience, in a series titled Seven Stories of Hope.

Mental health issues and suicide are a concern across all Australian communities, but are often subjects which aren't openly discussed. Seven brave people from the Northern Tasmanian community are sharing their unique stories to break the silence and offer what they value the most: hope. By sharing their stories, they hope to help someone who is going through a tough time, or help someone who may have lost a loved one.

They hope that others can feel empowered to talk about life's difficulties without fear.

They hope that people realize all is not lost and support is available, sometimes in the most unexpected places.

By sharing their story, we hope that you can take something away that will bring a new and unique perspective on an issue that requires all of us to play a role.

Seven Stories of Hope: a series

• Rob's Story
• Mark's Story
• Chaya's Story
• Rick's Story
• Marcus's Story
• Yousef's Story
• Kathy's Story

Please note the City of Launceston does not offer health services, crisis, or emergency support. Anyone seeking support and information about suicide can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or suicide prevention call back service on 1300 659 467. Your regular general practitioner/doctors’ surgery can also advise and refer to a mental health specialist. 

'Are you ok?' cards to promote meaningful conversations around mental health.

These cards have been translated into multiple languages spoken in Launceston to assist with starting conversations around mental health.

In addition to English, they are available in the following languages:

Amharic(PDF, 169KB)

Arabic(PDF, 62KB)

Bislama(PDF, 98KB)

Burmese(PDF, 68KB)

Simplified Chinese(PDF, 73KB)

Dari(PDF, 108KB)

English(PDF, 98KB)

Hindi(PDF, 76KB)

Nepali(PDF, 68KB)

Oromo(PDF, 63KB)

Persian(PDF, 53KB)

Tigrinya(PDF, 67KB)

Tok Pisin(PDF, 98KB)   

Samoan(PDF, 104KB)

Fijian(PDF, 98KB)

Fjian Hindi(PDF, 131KB)

Gilbertese(PDF, 96KB)

Tongan(PDF, 105KB)

Tetum(PDF, 107KB)

Tuvaluan(PDF, 105KB)

Support is available 24/7, if you or someone around you is seeking assistance any time of the day or night, these helplines are available:

MensLine Australia | 1300 789 978 | www.mensline.org.au

Lifeline | 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

RAW | 1800 727 827 | www.rawtas.com.au

Standby | 1300 727 247 | www.standbysupport.com.au

Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | www.beyondblue.org.au/forums

Head to Health | 1800 424 578 | www.headtohealth.gov.au

Launceston Walk In Service | Monday - Friday 9am - 9pm | Sat - Sun 10am - 2pm | Canning Street, Launceston

Resources:

• The For Life mental health support collateral is free to download and print or host on a website by any member of the community. City of Launceston produced and printed the collateral in 2023.

For Life Mental Health Support Card(PDF, 239KB)

• The Australian Suicide Prevention Foundation offers free mobile apps and a website that can help you find the right words to save the life of a friend or family member who is at risk of suicide. These resources provide medically approved texts that can be downloaded with one click and sent to the person at risk via text message, WhatsApp, or spoken aloud.

• Kentish Regional Clinic Inc. is the registered organisation to deliver the CORES Suicide Prevention Training (Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide), CORES Self-Care and Mental Wellbeing Workshops and, LGBTIQA+ Professional Development. Learn more or find upcoming training sessions by visiting the CORES website.

   

Mental Health First Aiders and resources are intended to assist members of the community in finding further support, not to provide extensive support.

If you are in an emergency or immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact emergency services at 000.