South Gippsland Youth Live4Life ambassadors decide on theme
TWENTY-NINE ambassadors for the Youth Live4Life South Gippsland Crew had the opportunity to get together at the Korumburra Community Hub recently. This was the first time the crew, who represent all of South Gippsland's secondary schools had the opportunity to meet all together. The purpose of the meeting was for the mental health ambassadors to decide on their theme for 2024 - which is 'Check In - Reach Out.' "So that's all about checking in with each other and then figuring out ways to reach out for those people who might be struggling a little bit. and what you can do to help support that." explained Sophie Dixon. Manager Community Customer and Visitor for South Gippsland Shire Council.
The students made a plan for the year. which involves running activities in their own school that promotes positive mental health messaging and run alongside Teen Mental Health First Aid training. "Which is first aid mental health training specifically for young people. For teenagers. which is a little different from other mental health first aid. It's not about adults taking care of young people. It's about young people taking care of each other. which is a really good first step on a good mental health journey." explained Sophie.
The ambassadors also organise and run a celebration at the end of the year where all schools come together to celebrate their achievements, not just the crew. The South Gippsland Shire Council in partnership with the Bass Coast Shire Council implement the Live4Life model which offers tools and program assistance around youth and teen mental health. Part of this program involves training local community members in Youth Mental Health First Aid to provide the course. If anyone is interested in taking part in the course, contact the SGSC.
The Youth LiveLife partnership includes the South Gippsland and Bass Coast Shire Councils. Australian Government Department of Education. Bass Coast Health. Wellways, Mirboo North & District Community Foundation, Bass Coast College Wonthaggi, Mirboo North Secondary College, YMCA Victoria, Korumburra Secondary College, Leongatha Secondary College, South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Learning & Employment Network, Foster Secondary College, Latrobe Regional Health, Victoria Police, Bass Coast Shire Council, Gippsland PHN, Headspace Wonthaggi, Australian Red Cross and Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College Leongatha.