CEO of Lifeline Canberra behind bars for a good cause

Posted on 7 May, 2019

As the CEO of Lifeline Canberra, Carrie Leeson is facing an uphill battle.

Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44 years of age, claiming the lives of 3128 Australians in 2017 nationally.

In the ACT alone, the rate of suicide has jumped with 58 people taking their lives yearly, which is an increase since 2016.

However, Carrie believes the first step is to dispel the myth that talking about suicide leads to more suicide.

“We are working hard to educate and instil confidence in communities around Australia to get the conversations happening around mental health and suicide,” she says.

Carrie Leeson. Image: Martin Ollman for HerCanberra.

Lock Up Your Boss is a Lifeline Canberra charity event that allows individuals and their employers the opportunity to start conversations, educate around mental health and raise funds for crisis support services in Canberra.

“The reality is, if we as a community are better engaged and more confident in speaking to one another about our health and our need for help this will lead to a better future for all,” says Carrie.

“This can bring about the confidence to ask a loved one, friend, colleague or stranger if they are ok, and more importantly give one the skills to assist if the answer is not a positive one.”

But Carrie believes in more than just talking the talk, so she too has been ‘locked up’ with her ‘bail’ (fundraising target) set for $10,000. All funds raised through Lock Up Your Boss will go towards Lifeline Canberra’s vital telephone crisis support service.

While this is a virtual ‘lock up’ and no bosses are actually behind bars, Carrie isn’t afraid to put a personal wager in the mix.

“My team ‘locked me up’ last week, and we’ve set bail at $10,000. If this is achieved I will dye my blonde hair blue!” says Carrie.

There are currently 20 Canberra bosses behind bars who not only raising vital funds but also starting meaningful conversations in the workplace that help break down stigma and build a more resilient community.

Money raised through the Lock Up Your Boss campaign saves lives. Want to help Carrie reach her goal or lock up your own boss for a good cause? Donate now at lockupyourboss2019.

If you’re in need of help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit the website. If this is an emergency, call 000.