We are excited to welcome the Live4Life initiative to Damascus College in 2023.
Live4Life is an evidence-based model for improving youth mental health and reducing suicide across rural and regional communities. Live4Life delivers Teen and accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid training in schools and the wider community. The model of Live4Life is a whole community approach, involving secondary schools working in partnership with community partners to lead conversations about mental health that reduce stigma, and promote young leaders as mental health ambassadors.
Live4Life Ballarat was created in response to a reported increase from schools and agencies, in depression, anxiety, cyber bullying and self-harm which has led to the need for a coordinated response to address our young people’s mental health.
Ballarat secondary schools and community partners agreed to utilise an evidenced based approach to mental health that focuses on prevention and education.
In 2023, 8 secondary schools will have the Ballarat Live4Life program delivered to Year 8 students:
- Woodman’s Hill Secondary College
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- Mt Rowan Secondary College
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- Phoenix P-12 Community College
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- Ballarat Christian College
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- Ballarat & Clarendon College
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In 2024, Ballarat Live4Life program will be delivered to Year 8 and 10 students.
Live4Life Ballarat is made up of the following components:
- Delivery of Teen Mental Health First Aid to year 8 and 10 students.
- Teachers – Youth Mental Health First Aid training.
- Live4Life Crew - Yr. 9 and 10 Students who volunteer to support the delivery of education sessions and run the launch, mental health promotion activities and celebration events for the year ahead.
Teen Mental Health First Aid for year 8 students
Year 8 students will participate in 3 x 60-minute education sessions within their individual schools. Delivered by Mental Health First Aid licensed Instructors. Further information about the course can be found at https://mhfa.com.au/Teen-further-info#
Damascus has over 10% of staff with full mental health training, while Leader of Student Wellbeing, Hannah Keating and school Councilor Claudia Griffin are training in the delivery of Teen Mental Health first aid for our year 8 and 10 students. The College continues its commitment in delivering evidences based programs