Southern Grampians Crew launch 2024 in style
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Partners and some Crew members pose with colourful Live4Life banners
Congratulations to the 30 members of the Live4Life Southern Grampians Crew (from Monivae College, The Hamilton and Alexandra College, Baimbridge College, Good Shepherd College Hamilton and Balmoral K-12 Community College) who presented and hosted an awesome program of activities and presentations to launch Live4Life in 2024.
Approximately 250 Year 8s from five schools attended Baimbridge College on May 16, along with distinguished guests Ms Emma Kealy, member for Lowan and Southern Grampians Shire Council's Mayor Cr David Robertson and Deputy Mayor Cr Helen Henry.
“Everyone in the Southern Grampians can work together to save lives. The Live4Life Program offers mental health education and health promotion activities for young people living in rural and regional areas” said Amy Lewis, Southern Grampians Live4Life Coordinator, WDHS.
The Launch is the first Crew led event for 2024, providing them the opportunity to introduce the program and develop their skills as leaders. “It was exciting to see how enthusiastic the Crew were on the day and to witness firsthand their dedication to being mental health ambassadors in their respective schools” said Tillee Huf, Youth Engagement Officer, WDHS. In addition to the mental health education the Live4Life program delivers, it also instills a sense of community for the young people involved in the program. “Today was a day where stories were told, they brought joy, smiles and many people together” said a Live4Life Southern Grampians 2024 Crew Member.
There was plenty of fun too, with the most popular activities including bump balls, the smoothie bike and, of course, guess-the-number-of-lollies-in-the-jar! The Live4Life Crew will be delivering mental health awareness activities throughout the year, educating and supporting their peers and community to help smash the stigma around mental health, learn how to recognise the signs of mental health issues, and know where young people can go for help.
The guest speaker at the Launch was Luke Thomson, host of the ‘Let’s Talk’ podcast, which aims to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health. Luke shared his personal journey with his own mental health struggles and the importance of turning to family and friends for help. In addition to hosting his podcast, Luke is a School Services Officer at Mount Gambier High school and was the 2024 Mount Gambier Young Citizen of the Year.
Over 500 Year 8 and year 10 students from Baimbridge College, Balmoral K -12 Community College, Good Shepherd College, Hamilton Parklands School, Monivae College, South West TAFE and The Hamilton and Alexandra College will take part in the Live4Life program this year. The theme for 2024, which was created by this year's Crew, is “When you're low, say hello”. The Crew really want to encourage their peers to reach out to someone they trust when they are feeling low or aren’t tracking so well.
Youth Live4Life will partner with Western District Health Service (lead agency), Southern Grampians Shire Council, Brophy Family and Youth Services, Wellways, YACVic, Beyond the Bell, Glenelg & Southern Grampians LLEN, South West TAFE and the participating high schools, to deliver this life-changing program in Southern Grampians. Live4Life Southern Grampians is generously supported financially by Western District Health Service, Southern Grampians Shire Council, and the Australian Drug Foundation