School Mental Health Fund
Information for schools
Live4Life – Information for Schools
Thank you for your interest in the Live4Life model. Unlike other mental health education programs listed on the School Mental Health Fund Menu, Live4Life is a whole-of-community approach to mental health education and suicide prevention, developed specially for rural and regional communities.
Evidence shows that health promotion programs that operate in an environment of community wellness contribute to the promotion of strong communities and positive social outcomes for young people.
Contact: Rebecca Morecroft
How Much Does it Cost to Implement the Live4Life Model?
The cost varies in each community depending on student numbers, how many Mental Health First Aid Instructors are required, Crew engagement and coordination. You can view the funding model here.
Live4Life works with you and your local Partnership Group to establish a budget. Schools, in consultation with the local partners, then decide on what they can contribute to delivery through the School Mental Health Fund.
Before a request for quote for services is completed and a Purchase Order raised, an Expression of Interest is required as outlined in the Procurement advice section of the School Mental Health Fund Menu, the following steps need to be completed:
An expression of interest process
Service and Funding Agreement in place with School, Lead Agency and Youth Live4Life
Purchase order raised
Invoice issued.
As a guide, and subject to the number of students and schools involved, the cost is $5,000- $10,000 per school annually.
How are the funds pooled and managed?
The Fund allows for Aggregate Buying. This means that schools in a Local Government Area can collaborate with other schools to address common mental health and wellbeing objectives.
The pooling of funds can help schools support a larger community-focused initiative that needs sustained engagement to result in a long-term cultural change. A more collaborative approach also helps strengthen links with other local schools and within education settings — helping to identify and meet the needs of young people and families in a local community.
Each community, once they have successfully completed an Expression of Interest process with Live4Life, establishes a School and Community Partnership Group. This Group is responsible for governance and implementation of the Live4Life model, and includes a Lead Agency. The Lead Agency holds the funds for the model’s implementation and is required to report back on the budget and expenditure at Partnership Group meetings throughout the year. These funds include funding from the School Mental Health Fund under the Aggregate Buying provision.
Are there any additional expenses for schools?
Due to the Department of Education and Training procurement process, funds contributing to operating costs will be paid to Youth Live4Life who will then provide funds to the local community’s Lead Agency as per the funding agreement.
There is an administration fee of $500 (minimum) or 10% of the total cost (up to a maximum of $1000 per school) for Live4Life to administer the funds and undertake all the reporting requirements as set out by the Department.
Any other costs associated with the implementation of the Live4Life program, such as staff backfill, doesn’t need to go through Live4Life and can be paid towards CRT-related expenses.
Still have questions?
Please get in contact with our Live4Life Advisers.
We look forward to working with you and your community.