Crew4Life talk youth mental health with Prince Harry and Meghan
Young mental health advocates with Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Swinburne University of Technology
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, met with Live4Life's Youth and Community Engagement Coordinator Bridie and Crew Champions Laura and Talon, as well as a number of past Crew members at the "Regional & Rural Youth Voices: Shaping the Future of Mental Health" forum at Swinburne University of Technology — helping to amplify the voices of young Australians on a global stage.
Live4Life Crew Champion Talon listens with Prince Harry to some of the stories shared on the day
Invited by youth mental health storytelling organisation batyr to join a contingent of 16 young people from regional and rural communities across Australia, Bridie, Laura and Talon co-facilitated the workshop with batyr staff over two days, where the participants shared their experiences of challenges faced by young people in rural and regional communities and discussed ideas for a better mental health approach which meets their needs.
The visit from the world's most famous couple certainly added a degree of excitement but the conversations were serious. The workshop purpose was to explore experiences and perspectives on youth mental health in regional, rural and remote communities and turn shared experiences and ideas into practical recommendations and next steps for improving youth mental health in those communities.
Live4Life Crew Champion Laura watching alongside Meghan
“The moment that stayed with me most was when Prince Harry opened up so vulnerably about his own mental‑health journey. Hearing someone of his stature open up so genuinely made me feel less alone, and it reminded me that even the most admired people can face the same struggles we do.” Crew4Life member Jewel
Mental health advocacy is a key priority of the Sussex's Archewell Philanthropies and it was brilliant to see so many Live4Life volunteers demonstrate the power of young people leading the conversation on how to improve youth mental health and prevent suicide in rural and regional communities.
“It was so inspiring to see how passionate others are, youth and older, about youth mental health after growing up in a community that didn’t often acknowledge it.”Crew4Life member Teddy
Live4Life stands alongside 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘺𝘳 in calling for greater investment in youth mental health prevention programs. That need is particularly acute in rural and regional communities where the suicide rate is more than 50% higher than metropolitan areas, and where 6 out of 10 young people cannot access the services they need. Live4Life is an evidence-based, youth-centred program operating in 12 rural communities across Victoria and in Tasmania. Only 1% of national mental health funding is spent on prevention.
Meghan embracing Live4Life youth ambassador Jayhe-Lee, Photo taken by Jonathan Brady licensed through Reuters.
"It’s been so nice talking the last few days about my personal experiences and getting to have an input in how that experience can help to better shape a more helpful situation for coming generations! Speaking to the couple and their interests felt reassuring that even people of a more influential setting want to listen to our voices and what we have to say!"Crew4Life member Jessica
A big thank you to our friends at 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘺𝘳 for creating this opportunity and inviting the young people of Live4Life to contribute their experience and knowledge.