LifeKeepers Annual C.A.R.E. Heroes

Every year, we celebrate the often heroic, yet frequently unacknowledged people and organisations who go the extra mile to prevent suicide in Aotearoa.

These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things to create communities of C.A.R.E: Connect (with compassion), Ask (with courage), Respond (with confidence), and Engage (with the right supports).

What the awards recognise

The C.A.R.E. Heroes awards honour sustained, practical contribution to suicide prevention across Aotearoa New Zealand.  This is mahi that strengthens whānau, workplaces, schools, communities, iwi and hapū, and local services.  Past recipients include rangatahi leaders, community champions, clinicians, educators, rural and workplace advocates, and kaupapa Māori initiatives.

Why “C.A.R.E. Heroes”?

The awards evolved over time from the “LifeKeepers Awards” to reflect our kaupapa of building communities of C.A.R.E. – everyday actions that save lives.  Our recipients embody these values in how they connect, kōrero, respond, and walk alongside people and communities.

Who can be nominated?

• Individuals (eg. community leaders, educators, peer supports, rangatahi advocates)
• Groups or organisations (eg. kaupapa Māori or Pacific services, schools, workplaces, rural and regional inititatives.

Nominations are made by regional Suicide Prevention and Postvention Coordinators, and Kia Piki te Ora Coordinators across the motu.

What we’re looking for

We celebrate C.A.R.E. in action:

• Connect (with compassion): building trusted, culturally safe relationships in community.
• Ask (with courage): creating safe spaces for honest kōrero about suicide and distress.
• Respond (with confidence): practical, evidence-informed support that reduces risk and builds safety.
• Engage (with the right supports): linking people and communities with ongoing awhi, services, and resources.

How it works (at a glance)

1. Nominations open – Suicide Prevention and Postvention Coordinators, and Kia Piki te Ora Coordinators help to identify people and initiatives within their region, making a difference.
2. Assessment – nominations are reviewed against C.A.R.E.-aligned impact and safety.
3. Announcement – recipients are profiled on the LifeKeepers website and channels so their stories can inspire others.