readthesigns Wins National Award

Release date: 08 Dec 2009

A joint initiative by Lifeline Australia and the MTAA Superannuation Fund (MTAA Super) has won an Australian Safer Communities Award. These awards are sponsored by the Australian Attorney-General’s Department, in conjunction with the States and Territories.

Aimed at promoting help-seeking and suicide prevention among members of MTAA Super and employers in the motor trades, the readthesigns campaign has been awarded a 2009 National Safer Communities Award in the Private Sector category, presented by the Federal Attorney General Robert McClelland.

"We are so proud of the partnership we have with MTAA Super.  The program we have developed with them has been really successful in assisting people in this busy sector to seek help when they need it, without fear or stigma," Dawn O’Neil CEO of Lifeline Australia said today.

"I think that the fact this program has now been recognised by this prestigious national award system, shows what a partnership like this can achieve.  I hope more organisations recognise the benefit of working together to connect people with care when they need it."

With the assistance of MTAA state and territory member bodies, the campaign has been in place for five years and involves Lifeline counsellors presenting depression and suicide awareness sessions to apprentices. This national initiative is currently available in the ACT, NSW, Victoria and South Australia and will soon be rolled out in Queensland as well.

"This initiative was established in response to the Fund’s concern about suicides among its members, evidenced by the increasing number of death benefit insurance claims. The core messages of the campaign highlight that anyone can experience stress, depression or anxiety and that it’s ok to ask for help. I congratulate all who have been involved in and supported this worthwhile initiative," stated Michael Delaney, Principal Executive Officer of MTAA Super.

As well as Lifeline counsellors educating apprentices, the readthesigns campaign has a dedicated website and communication materials including posters and a wallet card that can be easily distributed to MTAA Super workplaces. In addition, a compassionately written booklet has been produced for people that have lost someone close to them to suicide. Called "Survivors of Suicide, Coping with the Suicide of a Loved One" the booklet is available to key community groups that may provide help and counselling to members of MTAA Super.

For more information on the campaign, go to http://www.readthesigns.com.au.

For further information or comment contact:
Chris Wagner, Lifeline Australia, 02 6215 9446 or 0434 378 939
Bernadette Brown, MTAA Super, 02 6273 4333 or 0417 266 695

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