We’re changing how society understands and responds to Mental Health and Suicide.
In Australia, 1 in 5 people live with a mental health condition, and an estimated 55,000 people attempt suicide each year. That’s around 150 people every day, or one person every 10 minutes. Around 9 people die by suicide every day, amounting to around 3,326 lives lost to suicide yearly.
Each death is estimated to deeply affect 135 people, with the impact reaching families, friends and communities carrying grief that can last a lifetime.
Despite this, many of us still struggle to know what to do or how to respond when people are struggling.
We’re here to change this.
What do we do?
We equip workplaces, schools, sporting clubs, communities and families with the understanding, language and practical tools to help people respond with compassion and confidence when someone’s struggling with their mental health or experiencing suicidal thoughts — so that person feels heard, taken seriously and supported when they need it most.
Our Mission
To change how society understands and responds to mental health and suicide by equipping people with the knowledge, language, skills and confidence to respond to and support someone who’s struggling with their mental health.
Our Vision
A world where stigma and misunderstanding no longer shape conversations around mental health and suicide, and people who’re struggling are met with the understanding, compassion and support they deserve.
Our Difference
We genuinely understand mental health and the importance of addressing suicide. We blend personal experience with proven, trauma-informed approaches to connect with people and create meaningful, lasting positive change.
Bring LUMAURA to your community
How we respond to someone who’s struggling starts with understanding.
Through keynote speaking, panel conversations and collaborations, we help workplaces, schools, sporting clubs and communities build the knowledge and confidence to offer meaningful support.
Let’s create spaces where people can be honest about how they’re feeling—and trust that their words will be met with care.
Founder’s story
LUMAURA began with Lauren McDonough’s own experience of mental illness, years spent searching for support, and moments of feeling unseen, misunderstood and deeply alone.
At 19, Lauren survived a suicide attempt that resulted in the loss of both her legs. More than 30 surgeries followed. Despite initially being told she’d never walk again, she went through rehabilitation and relearned to walk.
As Lauren rebuilt her life and began sharing her story, she kept hearing the same words:
“I want to help. I just don’t know what to say or do.”
Those words became part of the reason LUMAURA exists. We can’t keep asking people to speak up without equipping them with the knowledge, understanding, and practical tools to respond when they do.
LUMAURA brings together lived experience, professional expertise and trauma-informed approaches to change how people understand and respond to mental health and suicide.
We help people recognise when someone is struggling, understand what to say and do, and respond with care, confidence and compassion —
So when someone finds the courage to say “I’m not okay,” there’s someone ready to listen, respond with care and stay beside them when they need it most.
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The Presence of Light Journal
Stories, knowledge and honest perspectives from people with lived experience, professionals, families and advocates, helping change how we understand and respond to mental health, suicide and trauma.