On this episode of Holding on to Hope, Rochelle, founder of the fashion label Rocky Rafaela, a brand born from resilience, creativity, and an extraordinary journey of survival. 

From a young age, Rochelle experienced significant trauma and struggled with feeling misunderstood and alone. As a teenager, she faced severe mental health challenges, including addiction, eating disorders, self-harm, and multiple suicide attempts, spending long periods in hospital care. 

A turning point came when she reconnected with creativity. Through design, she found a way to express her pain, rebuild her identity, and imagine a different future. 

Today, Rochelle uses her work to transform life’s experiences and emotions into purpose, helping others feel seen, empowered, and confident.

On this episode of Holding on to Hope, Rochelle, founder of the fashion label Rocky Rafaela, a brand born from resilience, creativity, and an extraordinary journey of survival. From a young age, Rochelle experienced significant trauma and struggled with feeling misunderstood and alone. As a teenager, she faced severe mental health challenges, including addiction, eating disorders, self-harm, and multiple suicide attempts, spending long periods in hospital care. A turning point came when she reconnected with creativity. Through design, she found a way to express her pain, rebuild her identity, and imagine a different future. Today, Rochelle uses her work to transform life&rsquo;s experiences and emotions into purpose, helping others feel seen, empowered, and confident.

The Same Fire Built My Success

On this episode of Holding on to Hope, we’re joined by Michael, an accredited social worker, therapist, and founder of Lived Experience Solutions. 

Michael grew up in Egypt, where from a young age he cared for both of his parents in a culture where suicide was heavily stigmatised and rarely spoken about. 

After the loss of his mother to suicide in Egypt, he later migrated to Australia carrying grief, silence, and the weight of cultural messages about masculinity, suffering, and help-seeking. 


In time, Michael reached a point where he sought support through Lifeline; a moment that helped him begin speaking openly about what he had been carrying. 


In this episode, Michael reflects on caregiving, migration, suicide bereavement, stigma, and what it means to reach out when you have been taught to stay silent. He also shares what hope can look like when life has felt impossible to hold alone.

On this episode of Holding on to Hope, we’re joined by Michael, an accredited social worker, therapist, and founder of Lived Experience Solutions. Michael grew up in Egypt, where from a young age he cared for both of his parents in a culture where suicide was heavily stigmatised and rarely spoken about. After the loss of his mother to suicide in Egypt, he later migrated to Australia carrying grief, silence, and the weight of cultural messages about masculinity, suffering, and help-seeking. In time, Michael reached a point where he sought support through Lifeline; a moment that helped him begin speaking openly about what he had been carrying. In this episode, Michael reflects on caregiving, migration, suicide bereavement, stigma, and what it means to reach out when you have been taught to stay silent. He also shares what hope can look like when life has felt impossible to hold alone.

Vulnerability Is Masculine

Rob Mills is a household name in Australia, an actor, singer-songwriter, television host, and entertainer known for his warmth and authenticity. Behind the spotlight, Rob has navigated moments of deep uncertainty, anxiety, and disconnection, and he has been courageous in sharing his journey to inspire others. In recent years, he has become a passionate advocate for mental health and Lifeline’s mission, using his voice to normalise conversations around seeking help and staying connected.

Rob Mills is a household name in Australia, an actor, singer-songwriter, television host, and entertainer known for his warmth and authenticity. Behind the spotlight, Rob has navigated moments of deep uncertainty, anxiety, and disconnection, and he has been courageous in sharing his journey to inspire others. In recent years, he has become a passionate advocate for mental health and Lifeline’s mission, using his voice to normalise conversations around seeking help and staying connected.

Courage grows in the conversations we dare to have

Stella’s story is one of courage, connection, and transformation. From a childhood marked by bullying and self-doubt to facing the challenges of an eating disorder and depression, she’s walked through some of life’s darkest moments. But through boxing, therapy, and genuine friendships, Stella has found strength, purpose, and peace.

In this inspiring conversation, she shares how she turned pain into power, discovering not only resilience, but a deep belief that things can and do get better. It’s a reminder that hope isn’t found overnight, but it’s always within reach.

Stella’s story is one of courage, connection, and transformation. From a childhood marked by bullying and self-doubt to facing the challenges of an eating disorder and depression, she’s walked through some of life’s darkest moments. But through boxing, therapy, and genuine friendships, Stella has found strength, purpose, and peace.In this inspiring conversation, she shares how she turned pain into power, discovering not only resilience, but a deep belief that things can and do get better. It’s a reminder that hope isn’t found overnight, but it’s always within reach.

Hope isn’t found overnight, but it’s always within reach

When life felt overwhelming and hope seemed out of reach, Cristina found comfort in an unexpected place. A phone call to Lifeline at 3am went from a desperate moment to a turning point, showing her the power of connection, validation, and empathy. In this uplifting episode of Holding on to Hope, Cristina shares her journey from exhausted carer to passionate lived-experience advocate. She opens up about learning self-kindness, embracing creativity through art and comedy, and discovering joy in everyday moments. 

When life felt overwhelming and hope seemed out of reach, Cristina found comfort in an unexpected place. A phone call to Lifeline at 3am went from a desperate moment to a turning point, showing her the power of connection, validation, and empathy. In this uplifting episode of Holding on to Hope, Cristina shares her journey from exhausted carer to passionate lived-experience advocate. She opens up about learning self-kindness, embracing creativity through art and comedy, and discovering joy in everyday moments.

Discover the joy in everyday moments

In this episode of Holding on to Hope, Frances shares her powerful journey of compassion, courage, and community. A former Lifeline crisis supporter, Frances found herself sitting beside a stranger in deep distress, offering comfort, presence, and hope. Through this unexpected encounter, she was reminded of the profound difference we can make when we choose to listen, care, and connect. Frances also reflects on her own family experiences, the importance of self-care, and the role each of us can play in building more compassionate communities.

In this episode of Holding on to Hope, Frances shares her powerful journey of compassion, courage, and community. A former Lifeline crisis supporter, Frances found herself sitting beside a stranger in deep distress, offering comfort, presence, and hope. Through this unexpected encounter, she was reminded of the profound difference we can make when we choose to listen, care, and connect. Frances also reflects on her own family experiences, the importance of self-care, and the role each of us can play in building more compassionate communities.

We can make a difference through connection

At 49, Dominic’s world was shaken by a severe mental health crisis just as he was about to become a father. Overwhelmed by grief, past trauma, and thoughts of suicide, he turned to Lifeline, which these conversations became a vital source of comfort and connection when he needed it most. Through persistence, therapy, meditation, and the discipline of martial arts, Dominic rebuilt his life step by step. Today, he speaks openly about his journey, reminding us that while darkness can feel overwhelming, there is always a path forward. 

At 49, Dominic’s world was shaken by a severe mental health crisis just as he was about to become a father. Overwhelmed by grief, past trauma, and thoughts of suicide, he turned to Lifeline, which these conversations became a vital source of comfort and connection when he needed it most. Through persistence, therapy, meditation, and the discipline of martial arts, Dominic rebuilt his life step by step. Today, he speaks openly about his journey, reminding us that while darkness can feel overwhelming, there is always a path forward.

Use hope to move forward, even in our toughest moments

As a teenager in a small country town, Jai felt isolated, unsure where to turn, and burdened by struggles that seemed too heavy to carry alone. One call to Lifeline changed everything - offering safety, validation, and the reminder that she wasn’t alone. From those early moments of reaching out in a phone box, through experiences of homelessness and hardship, Jai discovered resilience, the power of support, and the importance of creating her own toolkit for managing mental health.

As a teenager in a small country town, Jai felt isolated, unsure where to turn, and burdened by struggles that seemed too heavy to carry alone. One call to Lifeline changed everything - offering safety, validation, and the reminder that she wasn’t alone. From those early moments of reaching out in a phone box, through experiences of homelessness and hardship, Jai discovered resilience, the power of support, and the importance of creating her own toolkit for managing mental health.

No matter where you are, hope and healing is always possible

In this episode of Holding on to Hope, entertainment journalist Jonathan Moran (JMo) opens up about his journey through life’s toughest moments and the practices that keep him grounded today. From growing up with challenges to embracing honesty, kindness, and self-care, JMo shares how he’s turned pain into purpose and why he proudly calls himself a warrior. His story is a reminder that even the smallest steps, being truthful with ourselves, finding joy in daily rituals, and giving ourselves grace, can create space for healing and hope.

In this episode of Holding on to Hope, entertainment journalist Jonathan Moran (JMo) opens up about his journey through life’s toughest moments and the practices that keep him grounded today. From growing up with challenges to embracing honesty, kindness, and self-care, JMo shares how he’s turned pain into purpose and why he proudly calls himself a warrior. His story is a reminder that even the smallest steps, being truthful with ourselves, finding joy in daily rituals, and giving ourselves grace, can create space for healing and hope.

Every step forward counts

In his early 20s, Annas began experiencing suicidal thoughts but didn’t know how to talk about them. Stigma around mental health in his community made it difficult to reach out, so he turned to Lifeline’s text crisis support line. That conversation became a turning point, offering him the space to express himself without fear of judgment.

Over time, Annas found support from his family, pursued therapy, and became an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. Though he still faces challenges, he’s learned the power of connection and is here to share his journey from struggle to hope.




LINKS & RESOURCES

Call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14

Send a text to Lifeline at 0477 131 114

Chat live with Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au

Follow @lifelineaustralia on Instagram

Follow @LifelineAust on Twitter

Like @LifelineAustralia on Facebook




CREDITS

Hosted by Carla

Proudly presented by Lifeline

A special thanks to Nathida for sharing her story




Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognise those who have survived suicide attempts. And those who struggle today or in the past with thoughts of suicide, mental health issues and crisis situations, we acknowledge all those who have felt the deep impact of suicide, including those who love, care and support people experiencing suicidality and those experiencing the pain and bereavement through suicide. We respect collaboration with people who have a lived or living experience of suicide and mental health issues and value their contribution to the work we do

In his early 20s, Annas began experiencing suicidal thoughts but didn’t know how to talk about them. Stigma around mental health in his community made it difficult to reach out, so he turned to Lifeline’s text crisis support line. That conversation became a turning point, offering him the space to express himself without fear of judgment.Over time, Annas found support from his family, pursued therapy, and became an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. Though he still faces challenges, he’s learned the power of connection and is here to share his journey from struggle to hope. LINKS &amp; RESOURCESCall Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14Send a text to Lifeline at 0477 131 114Chat live with Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.auFollow @lifelineaustralia on InstagramFollow @LifelineAust on TwitterLike @LifelineAustralia on Facebook CREDITSHosted by CarlaProudly presented by LifelineA special thanks to Nathida for sharing her story Lifeline would like to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and recognise those who have survived suicide attempts. And those who struggle today or in the past with thoughts of suicide, mental health issues and crisis situations, we acknowledge all those who have felt the deep impact of suicide, including those who love, care and support people experiencing suicidality and those experiencing the pain and bereavement through suicide. We respect collaboration with people who have a lived or living experience of suicide and mental health issues and value their contribution to the work we do

Challenge the stigma, one conversation at a time

Holding on to Hope shares powerful stories from people who have experienced their toughest moments and found a way forward.

Hosted by Lifeline Crisis Supporter Carla, each episode explores the challenges that can lead to emotional distress, the moments that helped someone hold on, and the people, tools and experiences that supported their recovery.

Honest, hopeful and deeply human, these conversations remind us that even in the hardest moments, hope is possible.

Holding on to Hope

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