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    Katherine Houareau

    CEO - Chair - Lived Experience Consultant & Advocate Community Suicide Prevention - Mental Health First Aid Instructor - Lifeline WA Ambassador - “Road to Recovery” 89.7FM Radio Show

    Professional Background

    Katherine Houareau is an influential advocate and Lived Experience influencer dedicated to enhancing understanding and awareness around mental health issues, specifically focusing on suicide awareness and prevention. With a rich background as a consultant, instructor, and facilitator, Kat has made significant contributions in supporting community initiatives and suicide attempt survivors. Her role as an instructor of Mental Health First Aid showcases her commitment to equipping individuals with vital skills to respond compassionately and effectively to mental health crises.

    Throughout her career, Katherine's work has involved collaboration with various organizations, not only to raise awareness but also to develop innovative policies that address critical social justice issues, thereby reinforcing her position as a qualified expert in her field. She actively leads suicide attempt survivor support groups, which play an integral role in providing emotional support and education to those affected by these challenges.

    Katherine's professional journey is driven by a determination to support vulnerable and marginalized groups. She frequently shares her insights at community events, NGOs, and corporate gatherings, addressing important topics like Trauma, Family Domestic Violence, Mental Health, and Suicide Prevention. Her approach includes drawing from perspectives ofbereavement, ideation, and recovery, all echoing her ethos of moving from "Surviving to Thriving"— a significant shift that embodies post-traumatic growth and resilience.

    In her various roles, Katherine serves as a valuable conduit for educational policy and training, seeking to inform and empower service providers, corporate sectors, and governments about pressing mental health issues in society. Her extensive involvement in community outreach positions her as a prominent voice advocating for those in need.

    Education and Achievements

    Katherine is currently advancing her knowledge by pursuing a Post Graduate Certificate in Suicide Prevention, solidifying her expertise in the field. She recognizes that continuous learning is crucial in tackling the complexities of mental health and suicide prevention.

    In addition to her educational pursuits, Kat's impactful contributions extend to policy innovation and development. Notably, she is a key member of various committees and groups that shape critical frameworks around suicide prevention initiatives. This includes her involvement with the Steering Committee for the WA Mental Health Commission's Suicide Prevention Action Plan from 2021-2025 and the Statewide Postvention Development Group with Neami National. Her participation in these influential bodies ensures that she is at the forefront of strategic developments aimed at improving mental health services across Western Australia.

    Katherine's commitment to improving mental health services through evidence-based strategies has led her to be appointed to critical advisory boards. She is part of the Wesley LifeForce Expert Advisory Group, providing evaluation insights for their National Suicide Prevention Networks, as well as collaborating with the Department of Health on the "You Matter" guideline to better support consumers, carers, and clinicians in the healthcare landscape.

    Achievements

    Katherine has accomplished substantial milestones in her career, reinforcing her role as a trailblazer in mental health advocacy. She chairs the Wanneroo and Communities Suicide Prevention Network, where she strategically builds a community of over 2,600 members online. This initiative has seen strong collaboration with NGOs, local governments, and grassroots organizations, promoting awareness through workshops and speaking engagements both locally and nationally.

    Additionally, Katherine has made her mark in media by hosting and producing Australia’s first Lived Experience community radio show titled "Road to Recovery" on 89.7FM. By talking openly about suicide awareness and the recovery journey, she aims to diminish the stigma surrounding mental illness and advocate for constructive conversations that facilitate understanding and healing. She also co-hosts "Strong Minds Talk Back" on Noongar Radio 100.9FM, further extending her reach as a speaker and influencer within the community.

    In 2014, Katherine's groundbreaking work was recognized when she was nominated as a finalist in the Western Australian Mental Health Commission’s Mental Health Good Outcomes Awards, which honors innovation and excellence in mental health consumer involvement and engagement. Furthermore, she has garnered numerous scholarships with Leadership WA, emphasizing her dedication to professional growth and commitment to exceptional advocacy.

    With a career fueled by passion, experience, and a profound understanding of mental health, Katherine Houareau exemplifies the qualities of a powerful advocate dedicated to improving the lives of others. Her independent views and proactive approach to mental health issues continue to inspire and educate multiple audiences across the country.

    Related Questions

    How did Katherine Houareau become an influential advocate for mental health and suicide awareness?
    What inspired Katherine Houareau to support vulnerable and marginalized groups in her community?
    How does Katherine Houareau utilize her platform at community events to address crucial topics like Trauma and Family Domestic Violence?
    What strategies has Katherine employed in her role as chair of the Wanneroo and Communities Suicide Prevention Network?
    How has Katherine's work as a consultant influenced policies around mental health and suicide prevention in Western Australia?
    In what ways does Katherine's involvement in media contribute to the conversation around mental health and stigma?
    Katherine Houareau
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    Location

    Perth, Australia