LifeKeepers Aotearoa

LifeKeepers is New Zealand’s national suicide prevention training programme.  It gives people the knowledge and confidence to recognise when someone may be at risk of suicide and to connect them safely to support.  The training is community-focused, culturally responsive, and free for those most likely to support someone at risk.

Suicide affects every community in Aotearoa and leaves a lasting impact on whānau, friends, and workplaces.

LifeKeepers helps everyday New Zealanders gain the knowledge and confidence to reduce suicide in their communities.  It’s more than just training, it’s about building communities of C.A.R.E. where people look out for one another and know how to help when someone is struggling.

LifeKeepers training is free, accessible, and designed for people across Aotearoa.  When you register, you can choose between:

• Face-to-face training: a one-day, in-person workshop held across the motu, including versions tailored for Māori and Pacific communities.
• Online training: a flexible e-Learning option that you can complete at your own pace.

Both pathways use interactive learning, videos, and real-life examples to help you build the skills and confidence to support someone at risk.

Yes.  LifeKeepers is safe, evidence-based, and built on internationally recognised best-practice approaches.  It’s adapted specifically for Aotearoa and designed to provide a safe learning environment, with guidance and support available throughout.  You’ll gain practical, proven skills to recognise and respond to someone who may be at risk of suicide.

LifeKeepers has been created in partnership with communities across Aotearoa to ensure it’s relevant, respectful, and grounded in our local context.

The training includes examples, stories, and approaches that resonate with diverse groups.  For Māori, Mana Akiaki weaves te reo, tikanga, whakataukī, and mātauranga Māori into a safe, empowering learning experience.  For Pacific communities, Mānava Ola combines evidence-informed practice with Pacific knowledge and values to create a culturally grounded approach.

We continue to work alongside communities to ensure LifeKeepers remains adaptable, inclusive, and connected.  If you’d like to explore how the training can meet the specific needs of your community, our team is happy to kōrero with you.

In-person training runs for one full day, while the online version allows you to learn at your own pace.  You can pause, revisit sections, and complete it over several sessions.  The flexibility means you can fit LifeKeepers around your lifestyle and learning style.

Yes. LifeKeepers training is free for individuals and community members who are most likely to support someone at risk, but who don’t already have access to funded suicide prevention training.  It’s fully funded by Te Whatu Ora to make suicide prevention skills and knowledge accessible to people across Aotearoa.

However, private or organisational training, including for government departments or large organisations requesting their own session, is not covered by this funding. These can be arranged separately on a paid basis.

Some parts of the training may be distressing, particularly for people who have been personally affected by suicide.  We encourage participants to care for themselves, step away if needed, and reach out for support.  Details of helplines and support services are provided throughout the training.

Yes.  When you complete the training, you’ll receive a downloadable LifeKeepers certificate of completion on your dashboard – a recognition of your commitment to supporting your community and strengthening suicide prevention in Aotearoa.

Yes. You can manage your email preferences in your account profile at any time.
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