Community
11 April, 2025
United effort to boost mental health support
A WARRNAMBOOL charity that provides support for students at risk of leaving school will receive a welcome boost.
The Standing Tall mentoring in-school program has this week been given a boost thanks to an alliance with health insurer, GMHBA.
The Standing Tall program recruits and trains members of the community to become mentors to students in schools.
It has shown that the relationships developed through mentoring can make a real difference to a student struggling to cope with a wide range of issues, including mental health and school attendance.
The program matches carefully selected and trained community volunteers with at-risk junior school students studying at Warrnambool College, Brauer College, Emmanuel College and Merri River School.
The volunteers have a one-on-one hour-long session every week, which can involve talking, playing cards, cooking, undertaking activities, or whatever the mentee chooses.
There are also regular group sessions that focus on issues pertinent to the students involved.
GMHBA Warrnambool’s Tania O’Brien said they were delighted to identify a local organisation to support.
They were also inspired by the opportunity to build a stronger, healthier future for young people in Warrnambool, empowering them to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and positivity.
“GMHBA has always believed in the power of community, and this partnership with Standing Tall allows us to deepen our impact in the Warrnambool area,” Tania said.
“As an organisation, we are proud to support programs that improve the mental health and overall wellbeing of people of all ages, and we know that this partnership will help create lasting change for young people in the region.”
Standing Tall program coordinator Matty Stewart said they were thrilled to have GMHBA come onboard.
“This partnership provides us with an opportunity to amplify our work and ensure that more young people have access to the support they need,” Matty said.
“Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
GMHBA has long been committed to fostering health and wellbeing across the region.
