WA LiFE Awards 2025 Nomination: Michael Elwan Recognised for Suicide Prevention Innovation

I’m incredibly humbled to share that I’ve been nominated for the Innovative Practice & Research LiFE Award as part of the 2025 Western Australia LiFE Awards, hosted by Suicide Prevention Australia. This recognition means a great deal to me - not just professionally, but deeply personally.

The LiFE Awards (Living is For Everyone) honour individuals and organisations making impactful contributions to suicide prevention. To be acknowledged alongside so many dedicated advocates, professionals, and lived experience leaders is both moving and affirming. The 2025 theme, “Together Towards Tomorrow”, captures a truth I’ve long held close: real change happens when we centre lived experience, walk in solidarity, and commit to doing the hard work together.

For me, suicide prevention isn’t just a professional field - it’s a personal calling. I lost my mother to suicide after many years of caring for her through significant mental health challenges. I was her carer, her advocate, and ultimately, the one left to carry the weight of a system that too often fails those who are most vulnerable. Her story, and the many I have encountered since, continue to fuel my commitment to reshaping how we approach mental health and suicide prevention in this country.

As a man from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) background, I’ve navigated stigma, silence, and structural barriers that often prevent help-seeking. My identity deeply informs how I practise today - ensuring that the work I do through Lived Experience Solutions (LEXs) is inclusive, culturally responsive, and grounded in compassion.

To those working tirelessly in the mental health and social impact space - your work matters. Your voice matters. And together, we are creating something powerful. 

Whether you're seeking support, growth, or collaboration, we’re here to help.

LEXs is Michael Elwan's Perth-based practice, working online across Australia. Services include training and workshops, lived experience consultancy, Social Work Supervision, Lived Experience Leadership Supervision, Frontline Supervision, therapy and keynote speaking. Training and workshops can be commissioned for organisational leaders, practitioners and frontline teams, and carers, families and communities. Explore LEXs services.