Arianne Coad

Arianne is an experienced parent with six children between the ages of 8 and 22, one of whom has a diagnosed mental illness, another who identifies as transgender and there are a few other children with experiences of neurodivergence/autism in the mix as well. When supporting her child through coming out and transitioning, their social and family supports were significantly challenged. Arianne took on an active role in supporting  her trans child in her journey and her other children in theirs as the whole family experienced a transition, had to deal with the loss of important social and family connections as well as the loss of their faith community. She is passionate about supporting her children’s mental health and has often found that mental health professionals have been her strongest allies in the process. She has children who  have struggled with suicide ideation and suicide attempts. She is passionate about changing the stigma around parenting and suicide so that parents can get the support they need to help their struggling young people. Parents and caregivers are the first line of defence for young people, and when they reach out for help, it is vital that they are met with compassion and support so that their child can get the help that they need.