Earlier this week, World Suicide Prevention Day was a time to reflect on how our community can better support mental health and wellbeing, and take action to prevent suicide. Across the Hepburn Shire, that action includes supporting young people through the innovative Live4Life program, now in its seventh year at Daylesford College.

Bridgette Franc, Head of Wellbeing at Daylesford College, says the program has been transformative. “Live4Life has created a culture where mental health is part of everyday conversation,” she says in a short video released to mark Wold Suicide Prevention Day. “Our students know how to check in with their friends, they know where to go for help, and they feel confident talking about mental health.”

Live4Life is a rural mental health education model designed for and by young people. Each year, a group of Year 9 students train as Crew, peer leaders who run events and encourage conversations about mental health among their fellow students. The program is supported by Hepburn Shire Council, Central Highlands Rural Health, and a growing network of local organisations and parents.

Readers may remember our previous stories on Live4Life including the annual launch of the Live4Life Crew at Daylesford College. These celebrations aren’t just fun days out — they are evidence of a whole-of-community commitment to giving young people the tools they need to thrive.

That display was on again this week with “Ink and Echo”, a free, youth-led family event at Stanbridge Hall, Christchurch. Organised by the Live4Life Youth Crew together with Council’s Amplify Youth Crew, the evening featured music, art, and performances from local young creatives. Proceeds from fundraising activities will go toward building further youth mental health supports in our community.

Bridgette Franc encourages everyone to get on board. “By supporting these events, we show young people that their voices matter – and that our whole community is behind them.”

Where to Get Help
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available: