The 2019 program was officially launched at an event last month where Benalla Rural City Mayor Scott Upston welcomed the new Live4Life Crew, which is made up of 12 young adults from across the rural city.
‘‘The crew will spend the next 12 months undertaking training and promoting positive mental health in Benalla Rural City,’’ Cr Upston said.
‘‘The Live4Life Program has played an important role in raising awareness about mental health in our community.’’
The crew has selected the theme ‘‘Benalla 3672 — we’re here for you’’ for this year’s initiative.
The Live4Life model aims to improve mental health literacy and increase mental health knowledge.
Since 2017 when the initiative began in Benalla, more than 360 students and 90 adults have been trained in Mental Health First Aid (YMFHA).
The theme encourages peer support and reinforces the message that the community is there to support young people.
‘‘The crew has already shown what they are capable of by coordinating a hugely successful event for their peers,’’ Cr Upston said.
The launch event included a sausage sizzle, guest speakers, bubble soccer, African drumming, stall holders and a range of activities and events organised by young people for young people.
The 2019 launch was supported by the Benalla Live4Life Partnership Group, including Benalla Health, FCJ College, Benalla P-12 College, NE Tracks Local Learning and Employment Network, Tomorrow Today, Victoria Police, Benalla Flexible Learning Centre, NESAY, Central Hume Primary Care Partnership, North East Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Benalla Community Suicide Prevention Steering Group, Benalla Rural City Council and Youth Live4Life Inc.
●For more information about the Live4Life model, visit www.benalla.vic.gov.au or phone the council’s Customer Service Centre on (03)57602600.
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