LifeKeepers® is Aotearoa New Zealand’s national suicide prevention training programme, crafted with deep respect and understanding for the unique needs of New Zealand communities. At its core, LifeKeepers is a holistic kaupapa that blends internationally validated, evidence-based practices with the richness of local knowledge and cultural insights. This fusion ensures that the programme is not only clinically sound but also deeply attuned to the cultural and community contexts of Aotearoa.

LifeKeepers is designed to empower individuals who are in key positions within their communities—those who are most likely to encounter individuals at risk of suicide. This includes a wide range of community members, from support workers and sports coaches to emergency service personnel, youth workers, Māori wardens, kaumatua, caregivers, and community leaders. By participating in LifeKeepers, attendees will gain critical skills in recognising the warning signs for suicide, engaging in meaningful and responsible conversations about suicide, and confidently connecting those at risk with the appropriate services and supports.

Through its community-focused approach, LifeKeepers aims to foster the development of communities of C.A.R.E. (Connect, Ask, Respond, Engage), thereby contributing to the reduction of suicide across Aotearoa New Zealand. The programme is funded by Te Whatu Ora and is accessible nationwide to individuals aged 18 and above who are committed to making a difference in their communities. LifeKeepers is more than just a training programme; it is a vital tool in nurturing safer, more resilient communities, and in saving lives.

This conference is an opportunity to explore and deepen our understanding of the critical role LifeKeepers plays in indigenous mental health and wellbeing, ensuring that every community member is equipped to offer support when it is needed most.