The Centre for Rural Health has completed the Live4Life Break O’Day evaluation.
Live4Life is a community‑based youth mental health promotion and suicide prevention model implemented for the first time in Tasmania in the rural area of Break O’Day.
Over two years, the evaluation engaged around 250 young people, school staff, council representatives and service providers to understand how the model worked in a rural context and what early changes were emerging.
Young people reported improved mental health knowledge, practical coping skills, and clearer awareness of where to seek help after participating in Live4Life. Students also described feeling more comfortable talking about mental health, with increased confidence to recognise when a friend might be struggling and take action following Teen Mental Health First Aid training.
Survey data indicated early reductions in stigma‑related attitudes, including fewer young people viewing mental ill‑health as a personal weakness. Schools were consistently identified as key access points for support in this rural community.
Implementation insights highlighted strong partnerships and coordinated delivery as major strengths, while rural workforce shortages and short‑term funding continue to challenge long‑term sustainability.
The evaluation was delivered by Dr Ha Hoang, Dr Laura Grattidge, Dr Belinda Jessup, and Ms Victoria Headlam (Centre for Rural Health); Dr David Lees (School of Nursing); and A/Prof Amanda Neil (Menzies Institute for Medical Research).
Also assisting were project coordinator Mr Robert Soward and early contributions from Dr Heather Bridgman, Dr Melissa Kirschbaum and Associate Professor Carolyn Lethborg.