Read the July 2021 edition for an overview of Live4Life, Crew updates and hear about the activities of the Southern Grampians Live4Life School and Community Partnership.

By Oliver Lees

A health promotion charity that focuses on improving mental health standards for young people in rural communities has opened a new headquarters in Woodend.

Youth Live4Life’s new headquarters in Woodend was officially opened on Friday by Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas and Macedon Ranges mayor Cr Jennifer Anderson.

“I see the true value of getting in early and teaching our young people how to look after themselves and to recognise the difference between a ‘bad day’ and what may be an emerging mental health problem. As a mental health instructor, I’m now able to teach young people the skills they need to look after their own mental health needs and how to support their mates and peers.” said Leanne Mitchell from Brauer College, Warrnmabool.

We are seeking a skilled partnership and community engagement specialist to join our small passionate team. Ideally you are based in Gippsland and able to work remotely. You have experience in working in rural communities with multiple stakeholders.

The Australian Government and the Alcohol and Drug Foundation have announced a Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) for the Southern Grampians to prevent and minimise alcohol and other drug-related harm in the community.

The Live4Life Southern Grampians LDAT is a partnership between school and community and will support young people in the area, particularly around positive mental health and alcohol use.

Youth Live4Life welcomes the Victorian Government’s historic investment into reforming the mental health system in this year’s State Budget, released yesterday.

"To see mental health and wellbeing lead this year’s State budget is an historic moment” said Bernard Galbally, Youth Live4Life’s Chief Executive Officer.

“The Andrew’s Labor Government’s commitment to improving our mental health system, and the significant investment in the wellbeing of young people living in rural and regional communities, is to be commended.

About 600 year 8 students across the Macedon Ranges attended four offical launches for the Live4Life youth mental health program last week.

We are thrilled to share that we have been selected to pitch at a live virtual crowdfunding event on Wednesday 5 May at 6pm.

Donations will be matched, up to $30,000 by the event partners, so it is a terrific opportunity to make a real difference! If you pledge $100 we'll receive $200.

Join us when we pitch to raise funds to take Live4Life to more rural communities. It’s an online event so tune in from the comfort of your own lounge room, board room, studio...wherever you are.

An initiative to tackle the region’s high suicide rates will see 20 community members trained in youth mental health first aid across the region.

Read the April 2021 edition for an overview of Live4Life, Crew updates and hear about the activities of the Southern Grampians Live4Life School and Community Partnership.

Great South Coast builds capacity to support community mental health and wellbeing.

Youth Live4Life, in collaboration with local communities are seeking suitably qualified and experienced community members to become Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid instructors.

Students from across the Glenelg Shire have been inducted as the next wave of youth mental health leaders.

Hamilton Spectator - Students from across the Glenelg Shire have been inducted as the next wave of youth mental health leaders following the official welcome event for Live4Life.

Life4Life Baw Baw Crew putting mental health first in local schools.

Local young people from each of the nine secondary schools in Baw Baw Shire will work together to raise awareness about mental health.

The Live4Live Crew is a key component of the Live4Life model, that was introduced in Baw Baw Shire in 2020. The Crew will be provided with mentoring and resources to take the lead with health promotion activities within their schools and communities.

More than 80 Year 8 students from Benalla P-12 College participated in the launch of the 2021 Live4Life Program at the Benalla Showgrounds on Wednesday 17 March 2021. The event, which included a Rotary sausage sizzle, guest speakers, ninja course and a range of activities, marked the beginning of the fifth year of the mental health initiative for young people in Benalla.

Do you have children? Do you engage with young people? Do you want to better understand youth mental health?

Sign up today for youth mental heath first aid training.

Work from anywhere, part-time, flexible hours

Exciting new opportunity to join a growing charity

Design and drive new fundraising campaigns and events

Support and improve the lives of young people living in rural and regional communities to improve youth mental health and reduce youth suicide

“Live4Life Moira 2021 will include the delivery of teen mental health first aid to all local secondary schools s well as youth mental health first aid to delivered to teachers, parents and the wider community.” said Moira Shire Mayor Cr Libro Mustica.

“Young people are the key to this program’s success and it is evident our youth are interested to learn about how to maintain great mental health and what to do when it affects us” Moira Shire Mayor Cr Libro Mustica.