Building strong foundations

A KEY partnership will see Geelong youths the focus of a program dedicated to building foundations for strong mental health.

Chief executive officer of LifeChanger Foundation Scott Watters said partnering with Cotton On Foundation will help support more than 10,000 kids across the region in 2021.

Despite confirmation of the new partnership emerging this month, the two foundations have supported one another for years.

“Our relationship started with Cotton On around four years ago,” Mr Watters said.

“There is a lot of alignment between what Cotton On does and what LifeChanger is doing which is forming educational and wellbeing pathways for young people so they have the opportunity to become the best version of their self.”

Mr Watters became aware of a number of youth suicides in the region and ultimately sought to support parents, as well as teens, through education and wellbeing assistance offered by LifeChanger.

“The Cotton On Foundation found a way to support the program and have been really generous in doing so,” he said.

Tim Diamond, Cotton On Foundation general manager, said the new partnership was a result of their shared mission to uplift youths.

“The Cotton On Foundation is incredibly excited about our partnership with LifeChanger and the opportunity to support more young Australians,” he said.

“LifeChanger’s programs align with the Foundation to empower youth and ensure they have a brighter future full of opportunities and possibility.”

The partnership will allow LifeChanger facilitators to work with local mentors including parents, teachers, wellbeing officers and coaches.

“Through a mentoring program, participants will be taught skills that they can use to have more meaningful connections with young people in the area,” Mr Watters said.

“From there we run youth workshops were those mentors get an opportunity to be a part of it all.

“Local mentors working with local youth supported by LifeChanger.”

In 2021, the program will work with more than 2,000 mentors across the Bellarine, Geelong and Surf Coast regions.

“We want to build up a really strong mentor base in the area which we think builds sustainability,” he said.

LifeChanger aims to deliver solid foundations for youth by concentrating on the five pillars being health, life skills, self, purpose and tribe.

The foundation is currently working with schools across the nation and is expected to visit Torquay College, St Joseph’s College and Bellarine Secondary next year.

To participate in mentor training or youth support contact [email protected] or head to www.lifechanger.org.au for more information.