Estela EF Fuentes The National Suicide Prevention Conference 2024

Estela EF Fuentes

Estela has over 15 years of experience in community development and cross-cultural work, with a focus on mental health and suicide prevention. Her background includes roles as a gambling educator with migrant and refugee communities and contributions to multicultural mental health programs at Relationships Australia. She now works with Survivors of Torture and Trauma (STTARS) as a Community Development Facilitator. Inspired by personal experiences, she founded Mariposa Trails, a project that promotes culturally inclusive approaches to mental health. Through workshops, resources, and a network of bilingual trainers, the initiative helps communities better understand and discuss suicide prevention. Estela was recognised in the SA Women’s Honour Roll for her dedication. Mariposa Trails Suicide Prevention Network utilises arts and music to engage diverse communities. She also trains musicians to become advocates for suicide prevention. Recently, Mariposa Trails received national accreditation for its course From Helpless to Hopeful, which raises awareness of suicidal distress and challenges stigma in multicultural communities. In collaboration with STTARS, the team has trained five staff members and continues to deliver the program to refugee and migrant communities in South Australia. Learn more: www.mariposatrails.com.au