Roses in the Ocean is a national not for profit organisation founded on and operating through the lens of lived experience of suicide; we exist to save lives and to reduce emotional distress and pain. We seek to lead the significant cultural shift needed to save lives through harnessing the perspectives of all we represent, along with our own lived experience of suicide. With our actions driven and guided by those with a lived experience of suicide, we innovate and transform suicide prevention, and drive and deliver system reform. We support organisations and government to effectively and meaningfully integrate lived experience expertise into suicide prevention. Everyone who works within Roses in the Ocean has a lived experience of suicide which is defined as ‘having experienced suicidal thoughts, survived a suicide attempt, supported a loved one through suicidal crisis, or been bereaved by suicide.’

The opportunity:

We are looking for community members with a lived experience of suicide to provide peer support to other members of our community who have been bereaved through suicide, caring for someone through a suicidal crisis, have experienced suicidal thoughts or survived a suicide attempt. The nature of your role may vary from having a cuppa with someone, or accompanying them to an appointment, cooking a meal, walking the dog, or just chatting via text, email or phone.

Volunteer Peer CARE Companions will:

1. Have a personal lived experience of supporting someone with suicidal thoughts and/or behaviour.
2. Have a current Police check and a Working with Vulnerable People check; Working with Children Check; Blue Card; or other state-based required check that allows you to work with vulnerable people (not needed to register to become a volunteer).
3. Be comfortable talking about suicide and sitting with another person’s distress.
4. Be able to listen deeply and let people talk about their experiences.

Along with the training provided by Roses in the Ocean, you will receive ongoing support through debriefing and regular group co-reflection sessions, as well professional development opportunities through monthly Community of Practice sessions.

You can contact the Western Region Peer CARE Companion Coordinator at: jemma@rosesintheocean.com.au