Supporting communities, saving lives since 1995
Established in 1995 by Rev Bob Dunlop, Wesley LifeForce is an extension of Wesley Mission’s response to the increasing issue of suicide across Australia.
Today, Wesley LifeForce continues to educate, empower and resource local communities against suicide through Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Networks and Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training. Our whole-of-community approach ensures everyone can recognise and respond to the signs of suicide and create supportive environments where people feel connected, valued and safe.
Wesley LifeForce has delivered suicide prevention training to over 50,000 people in metro, regional, rural and remote communities. With 132 member and affiliate Wesley LifeForce Networks across Australia, we’ve mobilised over 3,000 volunteers against suicide.
Support and resources for community suicide prevention networks.
Workplace, community and healthcare specific suicide prevention training.
24/7 telephone crisis support through Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland.
Memorial services to remember those lost to suicide.
Meet our team
GradDipMgt, GradCert Suicidology, MAICD
As General Manager, Andy brings both extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to community care, having transformed what began as a six-month project into a fifteen-year journey of community impact and service innovation. His comprehensive management background across clinical and community mental health services, addiction services, counselling, youth justice, rehabilitation services, and First Nations programs brings depth and cultural sensitivity to his oversight of Wesley LifeForce suicide prevention services, out-of-school-hours care, employment and training, social enterprise and retirement villages. Andy creates environments where compassionate care and professional excellence flourish together.
GradDip(Strat.Ldrshp), MAICD, MICDA
Ron has been a passionate advocate for Wesley Lifeforce Suicide Prevention Networks for many years. With extensive experience in local government, business and the not-for-profit sector, he brings a breadth of knowledge to his National Networks Program Manager role. Ron has a strong desire to build inclusive, resilient and vibrant communities, and firmly believes that community-driven solutions play a crucial role in effective suicide prevention. With a Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership, Ron has over a decade of experience leading large, diverse teams in challenging environments. His friendly and approachable demeanour, along with his commitment to helping others, has earned him the trust of his colleagues and firmly established him as a respected leader and mentor.
MBA
From her base in South Australia, Bethany brings both heartfelt dedication and strategic vision to her role as National Training Manager for Wesley LifeForce. Drawing on 18 years of learning and development experience, she masterfully weaves together program development, stakeholder engagement and cultural change management to create meaningful impact in community services. Her innovative approach to training and development, supported by an MBA and qualifications in leadership and training, reflects her deep belief that education in suicide prevention not only saves lives but builds stronger, more connected communities.
B.Psych (Hons), BA
As a Registered Psychologist and Lead Clinician, Jason brings both clinical wisdom and heartfelt understanding to his work with older adults and their unique mental health journey. He leads a dedicated team focused on reducing loneliness, fostering resilience, and thoughtfully addressing suicide risk in ageing populations. His innovative approach to reducing mental health stigma, supported by his expertise in grief and transition support, creates pathways for older adults to navigate life changes with dignity and hope, particularly within independent living communities.
Proven success in suicide prevention
Wesley LifeForce has undergone extensive evaluation and has longstanding partnerships with the University of Melbourne, Australian Catholic University, Griffith University and the University of New England.
In 2021, a University of Melbourne study demonstrated a 17 per cent reduction in suicide rates over nine months following the introduction of Wesley LifeForce Networks.
Our service is also championed under the Living Is For Everyone (LIFE) framework, which cites suicide prevention as a shared responsibility across communities, from families and friends to workplaces, government and non-government agencies.
Wesley Mission
Wesley Mission is a nationally recognised provider of suicide prevention services through Wesley LifeForce since 1995, launching Lifeline, the world’s first telephone crisis support hotline in 1963 and consistently delivering innovative and impactful suicide prevention and mental health programs and services.
Find out more about Wesley Mission
