James Hill

Mental health advocate

2022 QLD Local Hero Nominee

After his own experiences with mental illness, James Hill realised just how much stigma there was around asking for help. He felt a lack of education almost cost him his life.

So, after finding the courage to seek help, James has been on a journey to instigate significant change. He’s working to support others, particularly men, so they better understand mental illness and how to access support.

James started work as a volunteer speaker with Beyond Blue in 2015. To this day, he continues to volunteer time in the community, sharing his story and delivering education.

In 2017, he co-designed and implemented a full-time Mental Health Advocate position at Energy Queensland, where he’s worked as a tradesman since 2007. By using lived experience to develop a mental health strategy for the business, James is shifting cultural attitudes around mental illness.

James’s tireless advocacy shows how someone can turn a negative experience into a life-changing journey that can give hope to many.