GLENELG Shire\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese sessions focused on building skills in leadership, teamwork, public speaking, and advocacy, equipping the Crew to be effective peer leaders in mental health promotion,\u201d they explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 2025 Crew theme, chosen by the students, captures their mission of empathy and support:<\/p>\n
\u2018If someone is caught in the storm, be their umbrella.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n