The impact of COVID on young people in Australia has been substantial. Young people have experienced higher rates of loneliness, educational disruption, and psychological distress.[1] A survey released by The Age and Sydney Morning Herald last week reported that four out of five young Australians say they experienced mental health issues in the last two years.[2] Suicide is the leading cause of death of young people in Australia, and with suicide rates reportedly 40% higher in rural communities, it is vital that the young people in our regional communities receive mental health training and support. This is where Live4Life comes in, the award-winning youth mental health model is being rolled out across the Central Goldfields shire this year.
Live4Life is the only youth mental health and suicide prevention initiative designed specifically for rural and regional communities. The evidence-based model builds both young people, and the local rural community's capacity to recognise mental health concerns and seek and offer help. Live4Life is featured in the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System's final report as a case study 'highlighting innovation in community-led mental health solutions for young people'.
"Live4Life provides an important focus on mental wellness which will support our community to understand the signs and symptoms of mental illness, how to assist people and challenge the stigma associated with mental illness. We are proud to partner with Youth Live4Life and look forward to working with them to benefit those who need it most in our community."
Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor, Mayor, Central Goldfields Shire
Out of 23 projects Australia wide Youth Live4Life in Central Goldfields was awarded a FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grant. The Managing Director of the ABC, David Anderson, said Heywire and the Youth Innovation Grants were an important part of the ABC's continuing investment in regional Australia.
"Congratulations to everyone involved in this program and to all the grant recipients: your projects will bring positive changes to many lives in regional, rural and remote communities across Australia."
David Anderson, Managing Director, ABC.
This grant joins RACV Foundation and Alcohol and Drug Foundation grants, which will support the delivery of Live4Life in Central Goldfields and help develop a network of young people in Central Goldfields who are trained in Mental Health First Aid and are knowledgeable about the support services available to them.
"RACV recognises the need for more youth mental health services in regional Victoria. We're thrilled to support Live4Life's life-saving work to improve youth mental health and reduce youth suicide through RACV's support."
Louise Steinfort, General Manager Social Impact & Corporate Communications, RACV.
"Prevention is an important part of a comprehensive harm reduction approach to reduce the impact of alcohol and other drugs, particularly amongst young people. But there's no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to prevention or harm minimisation, which is why the ADF is proud to work in partnership with Live4Life to deliver programs that are tailored to address the specific needs of their local community."
Mona Malouf, State Manager - VIC and TAS, Alcohol and Drug Foundation
"It is really exciting to be expanding the Live4Life model into Central Goldfields this year and with receiving grants through the ABC's FRRR Heywire Youth Innovation Grant, RACV Foundation and Alcohol and Drug Foundation we are off to a really great start. There is a real and immediate need in regional and rural communities for young people to be trained in mental health first aid and awareness."
Bernard Galbally, CEO, Youth Live4Life.
There are currently nine Live4Life communities throughout regional Victoria including Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Benalla, Central Goldfields, Glenelg, Moira, Southern Grampians, and South Gippsland and founding community Macedon Ranges. There is currently a waitlist of over 20 rural and regional communities throughout Australia who are wanting to implement Live4Life.
