Youth Live4Life calls for scaled-up government support to tackle youth suicide in rural and regional Victoria.

Today, Youth Live4Life calls for increased funding from the Victorian Government to scale up its youth suicide prevention model, in response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

Live4Life’s life-saving work is highlighted as an important case study in the Royal Commission’s final report, showcasing innovation in community-led mental health solutions for young people – “The Live4Life case study illustrates an example of a local organisation driving change in young people’s lives.”*

Live4Life welcomes all 65 recommendations tabled in Parliament this morning. This report sets out a significant reform agenda that will ensure young Victorians get the mental health support they need when they need it most.

“Live4Life is protecting lives where it matters most – saving young lives in rural communities through a collaborative approach, led by young people and involving the whole community. In committing to implement all recommendations made today, the Victorian Government should resource the scaling-up of Live4Life’s proven life-changing work in the 2021/22 budget,” said Bernard Galbally, Youth Live4Life’s Chief Executive Officer.

Suicide is the leading cause of death of Australian young people, and suicide rates are 40% higher in rural areas. Live4Life is the only mental health education and youth suicide prevention model designed specifically for rural and regional communities.

“Live4Life is a rural youth mental health and suicide prevention model that has proven impact and is ready to scale. We currently work with six Victorian communities to support young people and save lives,” said Rebecca Morecroft, Director of Community Engagement at Youth Live4Life.

“The Royal Commission has identified the critical need for evidence-based, preventative measures. The time to act is now. We are asking the Victorian Government to help us scale-up our life-saving work, support more rural and regional communities and provide essential resourcing for this award-winning, community-driven model,” concluded Mr Galbally.

For comment, contact: Bernard Galbally on 0413 167 843.

High resolution images of Live4Life’s programs can be downloaded here.

Live4Life’s Media Backgrounder can be viewed here.

*2 March, 2021, Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, Final Report: Page 36, Volume 2, Chapter 11: “Supporting good mental health and wellbeing in the places we work, learn, live and connect.”