Supporting Youth Mental Health Across Regional Victoria

At State Trustees Australia Foundation, we believe in fostering communities where young people are empowered to thrive. That’s why we’re proud to support Live4Life, an award-winning youth mental health and suicide prevention initiative that addresses critical mental health challenges in rural and regional areas. With a $750,000 grant over three years, State Trustees is helping Live4Life expand its reach across regional Victoria, ensuring more communities build their capacity to improve the mental health of their young people.

Expanding Mental Health Support in Local Communities

The innovative Live4Life model takes a place-based, whole of community approach to improving mental health, focusing on the specific needs of young people in rural and regional areas. By bringing together local government, health services, schools, and communities, the Live4Life program fosters a comprehensive strategy for mental health education and suicide prevention. The program’s success lies in its four core components:

• School and Community Partnerships drive implementation and ensure the program is tailored to local needs and supported by strong relationships.
• Evidence-based Mental Health Education is delivered in schools and the wider community and includes suicide prevention information.
• Youth Leadership is at the centre of the model, where the “Crew” of young people in Years 9 and 10 volunteer charge of as mental health ambassadors, organise key events, engage in advocacy, and drive positive mental health messaging in their schools.
• Coordination and Mentoring guides and support local communities in implementing and sustaining the program.

Creating Impact through Community-Driven Solutions

With the support of the State Trustees Australia Foundation, Live4Life is expanding into new communities across Victoria, delivering essential mental health education and fostering sustainable change. Together, we are building stronger, more empowered communities where mental health is prioritised, young people are supported, and local partnerships drive long-lasting impact.

Learn more about how Live4Life is transforming mental health in rural Victoria here Live4Life.

About the State Trustees Australia Foundations

Established in 1994 as a public charitable trust, the State Trustees Australia Foundation has been a cornerstone of community giving for 30 years. The Foundation has distributed over $45.5 million to support life-changing projects in areas such as mental health, disability inclusion, ageing well, and community engagement across Victoria.