Talon’s Story

As with many others I went along in my year eight cohort to watch the L4L launch - And so, being mildly non-caring as well as mildly interested, I signed up for the crew. 'Who cares about some random afterschool program' I thought. 'It meant I got to hang out with my friends, right?' Well, little did I know. That's when my journey to understand the everyday person's 'psychological landscape' was catapulted - because of Live4Life.

Beginning as a wee crew member in late 2019 my fourteen-year-old mind was only just gaining awareness of else, let alone self. Having the Life4life program alongside with Matty & Kyle, gave me confidence on the precipice of mental health's vastness. Because of that confidence, I've been able to tackle my own myriad of challenges.

As well as develop the fundamental skillset to work in the community sector as I do now. Over the last five years of involvement with Live4life I've been: a crew member, advocate, Crew4Life, freelance support, and now, Crew Champion. Not just the program, but because of the network and opportunities, I've learned a bunch from L4L. Something I've learned for certain is the necessity & benevolence of a preventive model on our society.

It goes without saying that preventative AND reactive models are equally as essential - hence why we receive funding alongside the equally crucial reactive care/clinical care. See our data here.

So often do we see the blurring of lines with vague, mis-informed ignorance that we need to teach young people the essential skills of seeing through stigma. Seeing through the meandering faff and cutting right to the root of the issue.

I've got a great deal of appreciation for this community. Being supported by so many beautiful people - I wouldn't be where I am without them. Live4Life is 'An unstoppable force'.