About Us
Guided by lived experience at both governance and operational levels Suicide Prevention Pathways Inc. (SPP) specialises in delivering services and programs to raise awareness of suicide in our communities through individualised coaching, mentoring, training and education.
SPP specialises in providing care and support to those at risk of suicide aged 15 years and over and their support networks. SPP’s Talk Suicide Support Service delivers face-to-face outreach support throughout Brisbane and surrounding areas, and extends its reach via telephone, web chat, and video platforms.
SPP’s secret ingredient is active collaboration. We collaborate with community service providers, hospital and health services, medical professionals and various members of the community to provide comprehensive wrap around care and support for those at risk of suicide and their support networks.
Who We Are
Suicide Prevention Pathways Inc. (SPP) is a not-for-profit community organisation that has been transforming the lives of people at risk of suicide since 2007.
SPP consists of a group of dedicated individuals who have been touched by suicide in various ways. It is a tragedy that affects many.
Our Committee
Peter Bell
President
About Person
Pete is the owner of Aurelius, a management consulting firm focused on adding maximum value to businesses and people below the surface; so that they can shine above it.
With circa 20 years of diverse experience across a variety of sectors including property, planning and infrastructure; Pete’s research, strategy and people skills have been honed through various roles in both the private and public sector.
He is passionate about supporting initiatives that break down the stigma associated with mental illness, advance the conversation around suicide, and provide shelter for the disadvantaged.
With circa 20 years of diverse experience across a variety of sectors including property, planning and infrastructure; Pete’s research, strategy and people skills have been honed through various roles in both the private and public sector.
He is passionate about supporting initiatives that break down the stigma associated with mental illness, advance the conversation around suicide, and provide shelter for the disadvantaged.
Bronwyn Harris
Treasurer
About Person
Bron is Financial Controller at Morgans Financial Limited, with over 20 years’ experience in Financial Accounting. Bron has spent the majority of her working career leading and mentoring Finance teams, helping individuals achieve their career and personal goals through continual education and support. Bron is committed to supporting SPP’s mission and the work the dedicated team provide every day.
Susan Bryant, B.A., LL.B
Secretary
About Person
Susan is a Brisbane lawyer with more than 30 years’ experience and is a mother of four. In 2017 she lost her husband, Andrew, to suicide. Since then she has spoken widely about his death in an attempt to bring the issue of doctor suicide into the public sphere. She is passionate about dispelling the stigma around suicide and mental illness and finding support for those at risk.
Celia Roberts, BSc Senior Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist
Committee Member
About Person
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Shana Challenor
Executive Committee Member
About Person
With over 15 years experience working in community services specialising in mental health and suicide prevention, intervention and education, Shana aims to support those at risk, raise awareness of the prevalence of suicide in communities and empower individuals through education to recognise signs and help those at risk.
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Committee Member
About Person
SPP is looking for skilled and experienced Directors who can support the organisation to achieve its goals.
If you share SPP's values and have the skills and experience to help us thrive, email [email protected]
If you share SPP's values and have the skills and experience to help us thrive, email [email protected]
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Committee Member
About Person
SPP is looking for skilled and experienced Directors who can support the organisation to achieve its goals.
If you share SPP's values and have the skills and experience to help us thrive, email [email protected]
If you share SPP's values and have the skills and experience to help us thrive, email [email protected]
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Committee Member
About Person
SPP is looking for skilled and experienced Directors who can support the organisation to achieve its goals.
If you share SPP's values and have the skills and experience to help us thrive, email [email protected]
If you share SPP's values and have the skills and experience to help us thrive, email [email protected]
Advisors
Richard Roberts, B.Com LLB
SPP Founder
About Person
As the founding President of Suicide Prevention Pathways (formerly CAPS Inc), Richard has extensive business and financing experience as well as a widespread involvement in a range of community activities. He only recently retired as Director of Infrastructure Investments at the Retail Employees Superannuation Trust (REST) which involved extensive corporate governance roles. His other current community activities include as a Board and Audit Committee Member of a Community Housing Association and a Nursing Home respectively.
“We lost our beloved daughter, Susannah, through suicide when she was 15 years old. Susannah became deeply depressed and gave indications of suicide ideation prior to her death. I am passionate in wanting to ensure that many more of our loved ones who suffer similar or other circumstances to Susannah can survive to lead a full life.”
– Richard Roberts
“We lost our beloved daughter, Susannah, through suicide when she was 15 years old. Susannah became deeply depressed and gave indications of suicide ideation prior to her death. I am passionate in wanting to ensure that many more of our loved ones who suffer similar or other circumstances to Susannah can survive to lead a full life.”
– Richard Roberts
Sandra Garner, B.PSych, MHRM
Clinical Advisor
About Person
Sandra is a Registered Psychologist, with over two decades of experience working in front line mental health services across community, forensic, inpatient and acute settings in both clinical, research education and management capacities. She has a Masters of Human Resource Management and works as a Consultant to inform public health policy and leadership development for government and the not for profit sectors.
Sandra has seen firsthand the impact of suicide on individuals, families, communities through her work in the health sector. Sandra understand the health sector and the complexities of navigating the system for people experiencing distress and mental health issues.
Sandra brings to Suicide Prevention Pathways a wealth of clinical skills, knowledge and experience, which complements the services provided. She provides professional guidance and clinical expertise to the staff and management.
Sandra has seen firsthand the impact of suicide on individuals, families, communities through her work in the health sector. Sandra understand the health sector and the complexities of navigating the system for people experiencing distress and mental health issues.
Sandra brings to Suicide Prevention Pathways a wealth of clinical skills, knowledge and experience, which complements the services provided. She provides professional guidance and clinical expertise to the staff and management.
Peter Annand
Business Advisor
About Person
Peter is an experienced company director, having served on the boards of Sunsuper, Medibank Private, Port of Brisbane Corporation, Suncorp Insurance and Finance and as deputy commissioner of the prudential regulator of private health insurance. He worked as an investment banker in London, Hong Kong and Australia. In the not-for-profit sector he has served on the senate of the University of Queensland and boards and committees of numerous organisations in the health, arts and industry sectors
Our Vision
Supported Communities
We hope for a world in which human potential is no longer wasted due to suicide and communities are able to provide adequate support systems and treatment to those with suicidal ideation.
Our Mission
Awareness, Education and Support
Our aim is to reduce the prevalence of suicide in communities by offering programs and services that educate, raise awareness and above all provide emotional and practical support to those at risk of suicide and their family and friends.
Our goal is to help individuals find strength in their ability to cope, to improve their emotional well-being and build resilience in order to manage the challenges that life presents.
The Team
Shana Challenor, Bsc.Psych(Hons); CertIVCoun; CertIVMH; CertIVTA; Meditation Practitioner
Chief Executive Officer
About Person
With over 15 years experience working in community services specialising in mental health and suicide prevention, intervention and education, Shana aims to support those at risk, raise awareness of the prevalence of suicide in communities and empower individuals through education to recognise signs and help those at risk.
Mandi Sinclair, CertIVMH; CertIVCoun; DipCrmJust
Support Coach & Mentor
About Person
Mandi has been the Youth Project Coordinator at SPP Inc. since July 2016, with 13 years’ experience of working across the mental health sector through her previous roles with a focus and passion in Youth Work, Drug and Alcohol and Mental Health, specializing in case management, counselling and supporting individuals with high needs. Mandi has a passion of working with people and supporting the human spirit to shine and overcome barriers.
Fiona McKean, BCoun; Meditation Practitioner
Support Coach & Mentor
About Person
Fiona has been a Client Support Worker at SPP Inc. since April 2016. Fiona is known for a warm, relaxed and comfortable approach to working with people. Her approach involves genuine caring, acceptance, and non-judgment. Fiona has a bachelor of Counselling and previously enjoyed working with children and young people in a Young Peoples Grief and Loss Counselling Centre. Fiona has a passion for helping others re-discover meaning and purpose in life, while teaching skills that will assist them to use their own unique internal navigation system to journey through life
Angela Turney, BBehSc, BPsych(Hons); Accredited Mindfulness Teacher
Support Coach & Mentor
About Person
Angela worked as an Organisational Psychologist in the Public Sector before changing her focus towards Mindfulness and the incredible benefits it offers one’s body, mind and spirit. Particularly focusing on the components of kindness and self-compassion, Angela studied in the United States and is now an accredited Mindfulness teacher for both adults and adolescents. She is passionate about helping people develop a more balanced state of awareness when experiencing pain and suffering. This allows people to step back out into the world again with more courage, self-compassion and strength.
