Read a selection of our testimonials
From glowing feedback on our professional lived experience speakers to how we have helped by providing valuable insights from our Lived Experience Collective members in research studies and other suicide prevention initiatives - you can read all about it below!
I recently had the opportunity to explore the extensive resources provided by Roses in the Ocean, and I am thoroughly impressed by the meticulous organization and accessibility of these materials. It is clear that significant care and expertise have been invested to ensure these resources not only meet but exceed the needs of those they aim to support.
As someone who is deeply passionate about the power of community engagement in mental health advocacy, I found the resources both enlightening and inspiring. They clearly reflect the organization’s commitment to excellence and its impactful mission to harness lived experiences for suicide prevention.
Thank you for providing such valuable resources.
James’s words fostered connection and kindled a sense of purpose, his key messages were simple and effective. James shared stories of resilience and vulnerability, testament to his authenticity. James didn’t just speak; he engaged. He reminded us that seeking help isn’t weakness—it’s strength in vulnerability.
What a sensational success our event turned out to be yesterday, Great work team !!
A huge thank you to each and everyone of you for attending, and the massive effort and time that was put in by all.
A big thank you to the fabulous local bands, The Bus Stop Boys and The Honey Bees for giving your time and sharing your awesome music in support of Mental Health Week.
A huge thank you to the organisation that travelled a long way to be a part of the day. Roses in the ocean travelled from Brisbane, Murri Tukka from Bribie Island and others as far as Bundy….so a big thank you, your attendance is very much appreciated!!!
A big thank you to Dale Blackman for doing Acknowledgement to Country, you did an amazing Job.
The atmosphere was buzzing with fun and good vibes and I hope you all had the opportunity to share your fabulous services and programs with many.
On 10 of September 2023, Mark Davis attended our event in support of World Suicide Prevention Day.
His presence and the words that he shared with the community held several positive impacts. By sharing his experience, Mark was able to offer a community-safe idea of what it is like to be touched by suicide, and for those which such an experience in the crowd, they were able to connect with Mark’s story and reflect.
Having Mark present allowed the messaging and purpose of our event to be highlighted in a unique and valuable way.
Mark, thank you.
Lindy and Roma from Roses in the Ocean provided valuable lived experience insights, expertise and advice during the development of TrackSAFE’s Suicide Awareness Training for the Australian and New Zealand Rail Industry. They reviewed two rounds of draft written and video training materials, providing thoughtful suggestions and explanations for changes. Our experience with Roses in the Ocean was positive and we wouldn’t hesitate to use their services again in the future.
“Hope was wonderful. Not only is she a great speaker and a genuinely lovely person, the power of her story really brought to the fore the reason why we do the work we do, and helped staff to understand their role in suicide prevention from a PHN employee perspective. Without her input, the event wouldn’t have been as impactful. Thanks again.”
“James’ story was inspiring, wholesome, and ever so powerful! To hear the paths James has travelled, and the hardship he has endured, it was amazing to see someone still have such a positive take on life, and bring that through to our community, who really needed those takeaways. Thank you, James, for being you!”
Dear James
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you for gifting us with your time, your presence, your story and your words of hope and encouragement.
Corryong has been through so much in the last 3 years and so much tragedy has rocked our little community in such a short time.
To have you come all that way, to share the hardships and difficulties you have experienced through your lifetime, and to encourage us the way that you did last night, was such a blessing.
Your story is very touching and an inspiration to others.
Your strength, resilience and compassion for others shone a bright light in our community last night and for that, we are very grateful.
Thank you to you and to Roses in the Ocean for all that you are doing to save lives and to support those with a lived experience of suicide.
Keep up the good work!
Caz and Jon
Corryong Spirit
“What an honour it was for us to have Mark share his story and his wisdom with us at the Brisbane Chapter gathering of Australian Counselling Association. We felt truly blessed with his presence enhancing the dynamic of our group.
Thank you for introducing us to this man who certainly represents Roses in the Ocean with integrity, honesty, pride, and commitment to checking the OK state of wellbeing of folks who might be walking in the shadow of suicide.”
“Roses In The Ocean co-ordinated two online lived experience focus groups to help us shape the content and visuals for a new video explaining suicide safety planning with our Beyond Now app. The feedback was constructive, insightful and immensely valuable in strengthening and clarifying the messages, as well as addressing unintentionally harmful content and providing future guidance for public suicide prevention messaging.”
“We had the honour of having Julia as our guest speaker at the YMCA Vocational School, Redlands. Our young people were very engaged. The hall was so quiet, as the audience really listened to Julia’s story. There was such authenticity in the story. Students spoke about how they could feel the emotion behind Julia’s words. Staff found it touching and could really feel the impact of the story. It empowered some young people to speak with staff about their experiences. Having someone close to their age, speak about their own lived experience with suicide, has opened up the conversation for our students.”
“As part of our commitment to create a safe and inclusive environment for all, regardless of gender identity or sexuality, we collaborated with Roses in the Ocean for our 2021 Wear it Purple Day celebrations by having one of their Lived Experience Collective members present at our all-staff event. The sharing of this important and empowering story was incredibly meaningful and resonated with our people, helping us as an organisation better understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth, lived experiences of suicide and the importance of recognising and celebrating diverse identities and experiences. We are grateful to Roses in the Ocean and their Lived Experience Collective member for taking the time to support our initiative, but also for their continued dedication to saving lives and reducing emotional distress and pain by empowering people with lived experience of suicide to inform, influence and enhance suicide prevention.”
“To mark Suicide Awareness Day on 10 September this year, Thomson Reuter’s Wellness Ambassadors and the Mental Health Committee had the privilege of inviting Tynan Narywonczyk from Roses in the Ocean to share his lived experience regarding suicide prevention with our Asia and Emerging Markets colleagues.
From the initial approach to the organisation regarding the availability of a speaker, to the follow up post presentation, we were met with a professional and seamless experience.
Tynan’s journey was shared beautifully and eloquently with us and his resounding message of the need to reach out in times of need was paramount.
I would strongly encourage everyone in a position of influence to engage with Roses in the Ocean as an organisation committed to using peer specialists in suicide prevention. The discussion of support, empowerment, hope and rediscovering meaning in life through the experiences discussed were invaluable.”