State Trustees Australia Foundation Supports Youth Initiatives in Regional Victoria

State Trustees Australia Foundation Supports Youth Initiatives in Regional Victoria

State Trustees Australia Foundation (the Foundation) continues its commitment to drive positive change by awarding grants to two organisations that support youth in regional Victoria. Beyond the Bell have been awarded a grant as part of the Disadvantaged Children FY22-23 Grant Round, and Youth Live4Life also received funding as part of the Emotional Wellbeing FY22-FY24 Grant Round.

These initiatives, driven by their shared vision to nurture and empower the youth of regional Victoria, are making significant strides in enhancing the lives and prospects of young individuals in their local communities.

State Trustees’ CEO, John Velegrinis, said “These initiatives represent the very essence of community spirit and progress. Beyond the Bell and Youth Live4Life are not only uplifting the lives of young people but also shaping a more vibrant and promising future for regional Victoria as a whole.”

At the heart of the Great South Coast, Beyond the Bell continues its unwavering dedication to seeing every youth achieve their full potential. Beyond the Bell is striving to match or exceed the Victorian average for year 12 completion by 2030. The Stepping Stones to School initiative helps children and families successfully make the transition from kindergarten to school, avoiding potential educational disadvantage through disengagement and non-attendance.

Beyond the Bell’s approach includes providing parents and caregivers vital information about factors affecting school readiness, and how they can best support their children during this crucial phase. With the support of the Foundation, Beyond the Bell aims to expand its initiative to other regions including the Southern Grampians and Warrnambool.

As part of the Emotional Wellbeing FY22-FY24 Grant Round, Youth Live4Life will continue to care for the mental health and wellbeing of youth in regional Victoria. Youth Live4Life is working to ensure that rural and regional communities possess the tools and knowledge to champion the mental wellbeing of their young population.

Youth Live4Life uses a community-wide approach, where young individuals themselves take the lead, supported by parents, educators, sports coaches, healthcare professionals, and community leaders. Through consistent and coordinated Mental Health First Aid training, Youth Live4Life is building the capacity of rural communities to safeguard the mental wellbeing of their youth, promoting a healthier and more resilient future.

Beyond the Bell and Youth Live4Life are testament to the incredible impact of community-driven initiatives supported by the State Trustees Australia Foundation.

More information about State Trustees Foundation Grant Rounds is available here.

About State Trustees Australia Foundation

The Foundation was established in 1994 as a public charitable trust. Funded by donations and bequests from generous community members, the Foundation has distributed more than $41 million to charities over the last 29 years.

Contact: For media queries please contact State Trustees’ Media team via media@statetrustees.com.au

For background on the grant please contact the Charitable team on (03) 9667 2845, charitable@statetrustees.com.au