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Live4Life youth mental health program launches in Latrobe Valley in 2024 courtesy of Latrobe Health Assembly

Live4Life unites rural communities, offering mental health education, reducing stigma, empowering youth leaders, and preventing crises. Latrobe Health Assembly leads this innovative, community-focused initiative.

By news@gippsland - 6th March 2024 - Back to News

Latrobe Health Assembly is bringing award-winning youth mental health and suicide program, Live4Life, to Latrobe Valley secondary schools. Dedicated to investing in young people's mental health and reducing youth suicide, the inclusion of the Latrobe Valley means that the Live4Life model will be implemented across most of Gippsland.

The inaugural Live4Life Latrobe Valley Partnership Group Meeting, 27 February 2024

Empowering rural youth

Live4Life is designed specifically for rural and regional communities - delivering Teen and accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid training to equip young people with the tools to lead as mental health ambassadors. By creating conversations both within the school community and more broadly with partners and community groups, the program reduces stigma associated with mental health while promoting peer support.

"The Live4Life model has been proven to create more highly-networked communities, which enhance resilience during hard times and help to support young people living in regional and rural areas. We know that when we work together, we can change lives," says Live4Life CEO, Bernard Galbally.

Community support initiatives

The first Live4Life partnership group meeting was held at St Paul's Anglican Grammar in Traralgon in late February, where government and independent schools alike showed enthusiasm for implementing the project in their campuses.

"Projects such as Live4life are so important to our region and provide vital assistance for schools and young people navigating an increasingly complex society. The grouping of key support services, which promote positive adolescent mental and emotional health outcomes, makes a real difference in supporting our young people to become resilient, robust and active participants in their developmental journey."

"At Lavalla, we look forward to proactively partnering with other local and regional organisations to better prepare and empower our students for the challenges that they face" says Principal Lavalla Catholic College, Ryan Greer.

Youth mental health crisis

Seventy five percent of people with mental ill health have their first episode during adolescence. Suicide is the leading cause of death in 15-24-year-olds in Australia, and the suicide rate is 40% higher in rural and regional communities. "The Live4life model improves youth mental health and reduces youth suicide using a collaborative approach, led by young people and supported by the whole community."

"Supporting our young people helps them to grow the skills and knowledge to support each other and reduce the stigma of mental health. We thank the schools and partners who are committed to working with us to bring this life-saving program to Latrobe Valley" says Latrobe Health Assembly Chair, Tanya Rong.

Pictures from Youth Live4Life website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Darren Chester praises Orbost Community College student leaders for passion, ideas and commitment to East Gippsland's future
  Darren Chester praised Orbost Community College student leaders for their passion and ideas during discussions on education, health, economy, and community, highlighting the importance of listening to youth for regional Victoria's future.
• Gippsland Water begins Warragul wastewater plant upgrade to support growth, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact
  Gippsland Water has begun a two-year Warragul wastewater plant upgrade, replacing ageing infrastructure, improving operations, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing environmental outcomes to support rapid regional growth.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland Sporting Clubs to register for Get Active Kids Voucher Program reopening on October
  Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland sporting clubs to register for the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, supporting families with up to $200 per child for sports fees, uniforms, and equipment.
• Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
  Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• East Gippsland unites for 16 Days of Activism, raising awareness and preventing gender-based violence across the community
  East Gippsland joins the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, promoting respect, raising awareness of gender-based violence, and hosting community events to foster safety, connection, and inclusion.
• Darren Chester praises volunteers powering Traralgon International’s global success, showcasing Gippsland worldwide tennis event
  Federal MP Darren Chester has praised Latrobe Valley volunteers for driving the success of the Traralgon International, highlighting their dedication, community pride and vital role in showcasing Gippsland globally.
• Southern Rural Water declares spill entitlement in MID, boosting farmers' allocations as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity
  Southern Rural Water has declared a spill for Macalister Irrigation District customers until 16 September, providing water above 100% allocation as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity at 98% following strong winter inflows.
• Southern Rural Water upgrades over meters across Gippsland to improve accuracy and fair water management
  Southern Rural Water is replacing 1,000+ outdated meters across southern Victoria by 2026, boosting accuracy, compliance, and fair water management under national standards - with no cost to customers.
• Join the conversation and help shape South Gippsland and other council projects, programs and initiatives
  Join the conversation this spring! Share your ideas on South Gippsland's future through community consultations, including Pre-Prep, Draft Plans, Governance Rules, and the 2026/27 Budget.
• Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
  The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.
• Southern Rural Water celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 while linking people, culture, nature, and sustainable regional tourism
  World Tourism Day 2025 highlights water’s role in southern Victoria, connecting people, culture, recreation, agriculture, and sustainable tourism while supporting communities, ecosystems, and Traditional Owner cultural heritage.
• Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
  Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety.
• Southern Rural Water supports South West Victorian farmers through groundwater access and the 'Farmer Helping Farmer' initiative
  A section of the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra, damaged by wombats, has been repaired. Water will return to full capacity, and normal delivery will resume tomorrow.
• Melina Bath urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
  Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship.
• Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
  Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents.
• Darren Chester commends Mac Waste Group for community commitment and support for Gippsland families
  Darren Chester praised Mac Waste Group for its community commitment, local job creation, youth training initiatives, and support for Gippsland families through its partnership with the Little Jem Foundation and fundraising efforts.
• Wellington Shire Council to update Community Local Law 2021, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and strong legal compliance
  The Safer Communities Plan includes Jack's Law to clear weapons from streets, Restart for repeat offenders, and Youthstart to support at-risk youth. Mr Cameron says Labor lacks a plan to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, leaving regions vulnerable.
• Banjo Jackson and Chelsea Wellman honoured as East Gippsland’s 2026 Young Citizens for leadership, inspiring community change
  Banjo Jackson and Chelsea Wellman, East Gippsland’s 2026 Young Citizens, are recognised for inspiring youth through leadership, courage, advocacy, community service, and transforming challenges into positive impact locally.