Meet the team: Rachel Buckland

In the lead-up to World Suicide Prevention Day (observed on 10 September) we are proud to shine a spotlight on employee Rachel Buckland, our Townsville consumer service officer (CSO), whose approach to her daily work reflects this this year’s theme, ‘We all have a role to play’ .

Rachel, who has been working with selectability for the past 2 years, plays a vital role in supporting consumers by coordinating rosters and shifts, ensuring they receive the help they need, and being a point of contact often during times of vulnerability.

“As a CSO, I work alongside the team leader to help ensure all consumers who are under a certain program or onboarding receive their correct shifts,” said Rachel.

“Basically a CSO is the key person who interacts with consumers via phone. 

Beyond her passion for her role, Rachel acknowledges that her unyielding advocacy for the positive mental wellbeing of others stems from her own lived experience of suicide.

“Mental health has played a huge part in my life from losing close friends, and my late brother to suicide.

“Working with vulnerable people in acute stages has been extremely rewarding for me.

“Seeing the small ways, we are able to interact, and help has made a huge difference already for some of the consumers I get to work alongside.

“What I enjoy most about working with selectability is having the ability to help others who may be struggling.

“This could be things like helping those who may be dealing with homelessness, and putting shifts in place when people are struggling and many more things.”

While Rachel’s tenacity and strong personality are welcome assets to consumers and work mates, they are also a reflection of selectability’s values.

Her lived experience, in which her advocacy and knowledge both inside and outside of work, gives direct guidance toward our vision as an organisation.

Heading into World Suicide Prevention Day, Rachel reflects on the importance of raising awareness, breaking down the stigma that surrounds mental health, and encouraging help seeking.

A strong voice that amplifies that of the 10 million Australians who have been affected by suicide. 

“There is always help from services to friends, family or strangers, it’s always available regardless of the situation one might be going through.

“There's a quote we use for my brother, and we placed it on his gravestone: ‘speak even if your voice shakes.’”

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
• MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or its COVID-19 support service 1800 512 348
• Headspace on 1800 650 890
• Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774
• 13YARN on 13 92 76
• QLife  1800 184 527