The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre National Network
Empower Voices, Save Lives: Support First Nations Suicide Prevention
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre (ILEC) is the first centre of its kind in Australia and a leading International model in the First Nations lived experience domain, ILEC is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals in the realm of mental health and social and emotional wellbeing, with a specific focus on suicide prevention.
ILEC advocates for cultural safety, co-design/co-production approaches, fair compensation for lived experience involvement, and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to contribute their valuable lived and living experiences at the local, State and National level. The goal of ILEC is to actively support, advocate for, and contribute to research, evidence-based practices, evaluations, programs, policies, strategies, and services, ensuring genuine and meaningful participation that drives positive change in mental health and suicide prevention for communities.
ILEC hosts a National Network of First Nations Lived Experience voices, who have lived experience of suicide which includes experiencing suicide themselves, losing someone to suicide, and/or caring for community through distress. National Network members share their perspectives of how suicide is experienced by people and addressed by services, on the ground in communities, using their real stories and learnings. For many members, doing this advocacy work is healing, as they can use insights from their hardest, darkest moments to make positive change.At ILEC, we actively contribute to research, programs, and policies, striving for genuine change. Our National Network of First Nations Lived Experience voices shares real stories and insights to address suicide, fostering healing and resilience.
Together, we create a culturally empowering space for collaboration and positive change, strengthening our community's capacity for wellbeing and hope. Your continued support ensures our vital work continues to thrive.
