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At Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia, students are leading a quiet but powerful transformation in campus mental health and suicide prevention. Through the Murdoch Life Assist (MLA), a student-led suicide prevention network, they’re creating spaces where peers feel welcomed, understood and supported.
“I have lived experience with suicide,” shares Angelina, a psychology student who helped establish the network. “Seeing they were considering who was interested in starting a network on campus – that was something I could do, something I wanted to be involved in.”
It’s this personal commitment that drives MLA’s approach. The network, supported by Wesley LifeForce, understands the unique pressures students face.
“University is hard,” explains Rachel, a network member. “You’re studying for your future, you’re on very little money if you’re able to work, and it’s stressful.”
Through Wesley LifeForce Network’s support, MLA addresses these challenges head-on. They organise free suicide prevention training and maintain a visible presence on campus, connecting students with resources and support when they need it most.
“Wesley LifeForce training, in particular, is great, and I think it needs to be spread out more into the communities,” says Hayley, highlighting the value of extending this support beyond campus borders.
What makes MLA different is its accessibility. “You don’t need qualifications. You don’t have to have lived experience,” Angelina emphasises. “You just need to bring yourself. Even just sharing your ideas – that’s you being involved already.”
This approach is reaching students who might otherwise hesitate to seek help. “A lot of students aren’t sure what space they’re welcomed into, especially for mental health,” notes Angelina. “Our network gives them a really good opportunity.”
Wesley LifeForce continues to enable MLA to expand their impact each semester, training more peer supporters and strengthening connections with mental health services.
They’re showing how student-led initiatives can transform campus mental health support from the ground up.
Contact Wesley LifeForce to learn more about establishing a student network at your university campus.
