LUMAURA
A Mental Health Movement changing how society understands & responds to Mental Health & Suicide.
Born from lived experience, grounded in evidence-based, trauma-informed care.
The Problem
In Australia, more than 55,000 people attempt suicide each year. That’s about 150 people every day, or roughly one person every 10 minutes. Around 3,326 Australians die by suicide each year, leaving families, friends, colleagues and communities grieving someone deeply loved and missed.
Yet too many people are still left wondering: What do I say? What should I do? What if I get it wrong?
That fear keeps people silent and prevents conversations that aren't just important, but incredibly needed. These conversations can help end stigma and could also be life-saving for so many people.
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 understand mental health and suicide. Truly. But we also combine lived experience with evidence-based, trauma-informed practice, enabling us to connect with people and create meaningful, lasting change.
Founder’s story
LUMAURA began long before it had a name. It began with Lauren McDonough’s own experience of mental illness, the years spent searching for the right support, and the moments when she felt unseen, misunderstood and alone.
At 19, Lauren survived a suicide attempt that resulted in the loss of both her legs. More than 30 surgeries followed, along with rehabilitation and relearning to walk. But rebuilding her life meant more than learning to stand. It meant finding purpose in the pain she had survived.
As Lauren began sharing her story, she heard the same words again and again: “I want to help. I just don’t know what to say or do.” She realised that while society had become better at encouraging people to speak up, people felt unprepared to respond when they did.
That realisation became LUMAURA, a mental health movement changing how society understands and responds to mental health and suicide. By bringing together lived experience, professional expertise and trauma-informed practice, LUMAURA makes mental health education more human, practical and accessible.
Lauren created LUMAURA from the support she once needed, the conversations she wished people knew how to have, and the belief that no one should have to face their darkest moments alone.
Someone Says “I’m Not Ok” - Now What?
Knowing what to say, do, or how to react when someone’s struggling can be difficult.
We’re here to help with that!
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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.
These Conversations Don’t End Here
Wherever people are, these conversations belong. In workplaces, classrooms, sporting clubs, community groups, homes and the everyday moments between people who care deeply but have never been taught what to say or how to help.
Every conversation has the potential to change a life when it’s met with understanding, compassion and the confidence to respond in genuinely helpful ways.
If you’re ready to build a culture where people feel seen, supported and safe to speak, we’d love to work with you.