Mental health leadership program kicks off

GLENELG Shire’s next generation of mental health leaders are making their mark in 2025, with the induction of 42 passionate Year 9 and 10 Live4Life Glenelg Crew members and a powerful series of youth-led Launch Days held throughout May.

Representing Bayview College, Portland Secondary College, Heywood and District Secondary College, and Casterton Secondary College, these young leaders have stepped up as Mental Health Ambassadors committed to creating positive change in their schools and wider communities.

Glenelg Shire Youth Development Officers Melissa Smith and Meghan Bennett said the journey began with an inspiring Induction Day in Heywood, where students took part in workshops facilitated by the Youth Engagement Project.

“These sessions focused on building skills in leadership, teamwork, public speaking, and advocacy, equipping the Crew to be effective peer leaders in mental health promotion,” they explained.

“The 2025 Crew theme, chosen by the students, captures their mission of empathy and support:

‘If someone is caught in the storm, be their umbrella.’”

This message has been brought to life throughout May as Crew members co-led four in-school Launch Days across the Shire, facilitated by the Glenelg Shire Youth Team and supported by Live4Life partners, including Headspace, Victoria Police, GSGLLEN, and Portland District Health.

These sessions invited Year 8 students to work collaboratively with Crew members to co-design creative mental health activities, resulting in 18 unique and meaningful activities that will feature in a big Mental Health Awareness Event in September.

Some of the activities include:

• Emotion-themed cupcakes and ice creams: Students choose items based on colour-coded emotions, helping to spark conversations around feelings.

• Positive dodgeball: A fun twist on a classic game where players share a kind comment with the person they tag out.

“Each activity is designed to place young people at the centre of the planning process, ensuring their voices, insights, and lived experiences shape an event that is relevant, empowering, and memorable,” said Ms Bennett.

“Together, we are proud to support these young leaders as they champion mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and create a more connected and resilient Glenelg Shire,” said Ms Smith.

Live4Life Glenelg extends thanks to the ongoing collaboration of dedicated community partners including GSGLLEN, Portland District Health, Casterton Memorial Health ,Brophy Family & Youth Services, YACVic Rural, Wellways, Winda-Mara, Vic Pol (Bluelight), Casterton Memorial Health, Portland District Health, Headspace Portland, Barwon Public Health Unit, Youth Live4Life and all Shire Secondary Colleges.