Live4Life in schools

Almost 1000 year eight students from across Baw Baw will be introduced to Live4Life mental health program by their peers on Monday, May 1.
Live4Life Crew members are set to deliver mental health awareness activities throughout the year, educating and supporting their peers and community to help smash the stigma around mental health, learn how to recognise the signs of mental health issues, and know where young people can go for help.
Life4Life delivers teen and accredited youth mental health first aid training in schools and the wider community. The program aims to promote young leaders as mental health ambassadors.
Crew members are currently planning the official 2023 program launch on May 1 at the West Gippsland Arts Centre, which will see students from eight local secondary schools attend.
The event follows a crew induction in early March, where members had the opportunity to get to know each other, take part in the team-building activities.
Baw Baw Shire mayor Annemarie McCabe attended the induction.
"Since launching in Baw Baw in 2020, 929 high school students, 191 adults and 69 crew members have undertaken mental health education through Live4Life Baw Baw.
"What we know is that the statistics around mental health issues experienced by young people and the rate of suicide are at high levels, and they are even higher in regional and remote areas. Baw Baw Shire Council are hugely supportive of the work Life4Life does in our community to improve youth mental health and raise awareness of the important issues faced by young people
"It's more important than ever before that we work together to support each other, take action to challenge the stigmas around mental health and learn how we can support ourselves and get help if and when we need it".