Illuminate U program to boost teen mental health

Published on 13 August 2024

Thirty Corangamite Shire teenagers will benefit from an eight-week art-based program to support their mental health.

Council secured $12,700 from the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal’s ‘In a Good Place’ program to support ‘Illuminate U’.

Council Youth and Grants Officer Philip Michelmore thanked the foundation for its support.

“This grant opportunity will support the post-COVID mental health needs of young people across rural Victoria,” Mr Michelmore said.

“It aligns well with the Council’s ‘SYNC Youth Strategy 2020-2025’ which is committed to helping young people thrive in their education and offer meaningful engagement and encouraging positive experiences.

“Illuminate U will be a weekly interactive arts-based program delivered by Camperdown qualified arts therapist Sally Wood.

“Through various creative activities, participants aged from 15-18, will learn more about themselves, they will explore what inspires them and how to live a life of joy and inspiration.

“The goal is to give them the resilience to remain stable and emotionally agile during tough times.

The Illuminate U program will start later this year and run across three school terms into 2025.

Registrations will open on the Council website soon.