Karissa Lewis is a lived experience practitioner who works in the space of suicide bereavement.

Karissa’s mother died by suicide when Karissa and her siblings were still in primary school, and they grew up in a family and society where the stigma surrounding suicide made it incredibly difficult to grieve and process.

After receiving treatment for breast cancer in her late 30’s, Karissa was overcome by the profound impact of peer work, and dedicated herself to helping others going through tough times.

Karissa worked for Camp Quality, as well as Lifeline, before finding Social Futures: an organisation which focuses on supporting families and communities in the hours, days and weeks after a suicide.

Karissa is adamant that postvention, done well, is crucial for prevention, and her work reflects this.