by Bonnie Collings
In celebration of R U OK Day, the Drouin Secondary Live4Life crew planned and organised its own R U OK Day event on Friday.
Made up of students from years seven to 10, the Live4Life crew arranged a free breakfast for students and encouraged both students and staff to add a bit of yellow to their uniforms.
Special guests from Headspace and the Baw Baw Shire attended the event to support the crew and help facilitate trivia games and the distribution of breakfast foods. Student musicians also provided entertainment throughout the morning.
College wellbeing officer Victoria McKay said the students had worked hard to create an event that promoted discussion of mental health
"The crew have been excited about creating a mental health promotion event for the school," Ms McKay said.
"Our hope is that by promoting mental health awareness days, we inspire our Drouin Secondary College community to feel confident in reaching out and asking their peers how they are going."
Ms McKay said promoting mental health awareness days was important, but only a piece of a larger puzzle.
"It's important that we continue to promote and support students in checking in with their friends and family and knowing how to reach out for support when needed," she said.
"To support this, next term our years eight and 10 students will participate in Teen Mental Health training, as part of the Live4Life model."
Drouin Secondary College assistant principal Natasha Glaister said the college aimed to promote a culture of understanding and acceptance.
"We recognise that our young people are part of communities that face a wide range of mental health challenges," she said. "We hope that by promoting events like R U OK day, we are creating a culture of understanding and acceptance that it is ok to need help, and ask for it."