Live4Life Glenelg shines a light on mental health!

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Large group of students holding Live4Life signs

Live4Life Glenelg celebrated its 2024 Launch Day with 200 Year 8 students from across the shire gathering at Portland Civic Hall on 22 May.

Organised and led by the 48 Crew members from Years Nine and Ten under the guidance of Youth Officers Mel Smith and Meg Bennett, the event promoted positive mental health messages and introduced Glenelg's beautiful theme for 2024: 'Be the Light in Someone's Darkness'.

Amazing artwork for the theme poster was created by Casterton student Abby Black, illustrating that whether you are a friend, a trusted adult, or a mental health service, you can always lend a helping hand, no matter what challenges someone is facing.

Guest speakers, former Live4Life Crew member Charlie Sawyer-Bassett and young peer facilitator from YACVic Brit Watts, shared their stories and insights on the importance of mental health awareness and community support.

Students from Casterton and Heywood joined their Portland peers for a fun filled day, with with heaps of fete-like activities, such as bobbing for apples, cupcake decoration, outdoor games, friendship bracelet and Live4Life badge making, and the ingenious thought attack (knocking down the negative thoughts with a nerf gun!). There were also polaroid pictures paired with writing positive affirmations, which will be added to a paint splat board (created on the day by throwing paint filled water balloons) which will be displayed at the end of year Celebration. Students also enjoyed a lunch of sushi, rice paper rolls, pizza, popcorn, fruit salad, fairy floss and fruit smoothies.

Glenelg Shire Council came out in force for the day with Mayor Cr Karen Stevens, Cr Gilbert Wilson, Cr Robyn McDonald, Cr Alistair McDonald, and Cr Scott Martin all joining in the fun activities on offer, dressing up for a quick photo shoot to show their continued support for the program.

Life4Life Glenelg Partnership Group members from HeadSpace Portland, Brophy Family & Youth Services Portland, Beyond The Bell, YACVIC, Portland District Health and Portland Aluminium all came along to share the fun.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Four students gathered around a craft table, concentrating on threading beads

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Poster with an illustration of two cats in a spotlight. Poster heading says: 'Be a light in someone's darkness'