Donation update
Today I was lucky enough to complete a 1Km swim with my childhood friend Emma and also have a play with the kids for the afternoon in the shallow pool. We completed the laps in less then 1 hour with small breaks in between and some insightful conversations about self-care and wellness, and breathing techniques to help with anxiety. In general it was just amazing having a swim buddy and a good friend by my side supporting, talking, listening and laughing.... and some crying aswell. I have received an answer on my request for a percentage of the funds to be sent directly to Daylesford College. LapitUp is not able to allocate individual's funds to specific communities or schools. The way that the fundraising of LAP it UP is set up means that the money goes to Live4life and through helping Live4life, additional support will be provided to all Live4Life Communities including Daylesford College in Hepburn Shire. Please know that the entire Live4life team is 100% committed to improving youth mental health and reducing suicide in regional and rural areas and delivering the program in the Hepburn Shire.Daylesford College - The organisation for live4life in the Hepburn Shire
Daylesford College Community Partnership Group is made up of the Hepburn Shire Council, Central Highlands Rural Health and supported by Youth Live4Life. Last year they trained all Year 8 and Year 10 students in Teen Mental Health First Aid. They have continued this in 2024, with the current Year 8 cohort having completed Teen MHFA in Term 3, and they will commence the Year 10 Teen MHFA program next week. In addition to this, they have supported 25 members of school staff to complete Youth MHFA Training. Hepburn Shire Council have committed to offering 2 community-based Youth MHFA courses annually. Educating the staff and students is making a difference. They continue to see an increase in teachers referring students to the Wellbeing Centre. Young people are also more likely to refer themselves and their friends when they notice a change. Daylesford College have a variety of supports available, these include: Mental Health Practitioner, Youth Worker, Springs Medical GP, Psychology, Social Work, AOD Support (Central Highlands Rural Health), School Nursing and Art Therapy. The Live4Life Crew are our AMAZING youth advocates, They are leading a variety of projects to celebrate their message: ‘Be Aware About Self Care’ Projects include: Primary School Visits to educate Grade 5 and 6 students on the importance of Self Care Aged Care visits to share kindness and self-care message Pod Cast “Be Aware About Self Care”Connecting, healing and hope
This October marks a year since I lost my sister—a loss that has changed my world forever. It’s hard to put into words what that feels like, and I know so many of you have experienced similar pain. Losing someone you love to suicide leaves a void that’s impossible to fill, but it also gives us a reason to fight for change. October is also Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year, in my sister’s memory, I want to do something meaningful. I’m raising funds to support those who are struggling in silence, those who have lost loved ones, and to push for a better mental health system for future generations—so that fewer families have to experience this kind of loss. But I can’t do it alone. I’m asking you to join me. Set your own goals, whatever they may be, and walk ( or swim) this journey with me. Whether it’s swimming, walking, or simply sharing your story, sharing this link with your tribe, and/or donating, together we can raise awareness and remind people they aren’t alone in their struggles. Most importantly, I want us to take this moment to check in on ourselves. Mental health is something we all need to nurture. Let’s support one another, lift each other up, and make this October about connection, healing, and hope. For those we’ve lost, for those still fighting, and for a brighter future. Let’s do this together. Please share this link, join and/or donate. #mentalhealthawarenessWhere are your funds going?
Thinking about my sister today as I completed 50 laps
I really miss my sister and nothing I do wIll get her back. All I can do now is help raise awareness, and this starts with the next generation. Youths. So I am swimming to keep my own mental health in check, to get me through the first anniversary of my sisters passing, and in the process teaching my children about unconditional love, the importance of community and communication. XxSwimming with my 5 month old girl
Tomorrow i will start my lap/swim journey and I will be swimming a few warm up laps with my girl Isla. It will be her first time in a swimming pool.Let's make waves together
As we step into Mental Health Awareness Month this October, I’m reflecting on how important it is to keep the conversation around mental health alive—not just for one month, but every day. October is a extremely tough month for the family as we lost our daughter, our sister, our cousin, our friend, and a little boy lost his mum -Michelle.
Staying active, both physically and mentally, is a key part of that, and this year, I’ve decided to take action in a way that’s deeply personal to me.
In memory of a loved one we lost too soon, I’ll be swimming to raise funds for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. My first set of laps begins on Tuesday, 1st October, and I’m dedicating this journey to everyone who is struggling with their mental health or who has lost someone to suicide.
I believe that taking care of our mental health goes hand-in-hand with taking care of our bodies. That’s why I’m encouraging all of you to join me in your own way. Whether you’re near the ocean, or a pool, keeping your body active is key.
Let’s share our journeys, spread awareness, and inspire others by linking our fitness adventures to social media. Together, we can reach more people and remind those who are struggling that there is hope and a community ready to support them.
Thank you for being a part of this with me. Let’s make this October count—not just for us, but for the countless others who need to know we care.
With love and appreciation,
Tara
We're fundraising for suicide prevention and mental health awareness
We are taking part in the LAP it UP swim challenge to raise awareness and funds for Youth Live4Life’s mental health education and youth suicide prevention model (Live4Life).
Live4Life communities deliver Youth Mental Health First Aid training in schools and the wider community, help to lead conversations about mental health that reduce stigma, and promote young leaders as mental health ambassadors.
Please support our LAP it UP swim challenge - your donation will help more young people to receive vital mental health education and will help save lives!
Thank you
Thank you to our Sponsors
$520
Gillian Reynard
$106
Thea Young
$106
Marie And Rachelle St Ledger
For Michelle xxx
$106
Greg & Vanessa Langridge
Hey Tara, Here is a little donation from us. Keep it up, you doing great! Hope you guys are well! Speak again soon. Love you 😘❤️
$106
Jim Milne
Top effort!
$106
Peter
Recommended to me by Marie and Chelle!
$100
Ulla Gotfredsen
$100
Clare Hannaway
Well done Emma x
$100
Emma Wilson
💕
$100
Mark Aspinall
$100
Rebecca Ware
$53
Ruth Lawrance
Big love to you Tara and your family. What a wonderful way to raise awareness and funds xx
$53
Charlie And Mila
Go Taity!
$53
Tricia Richman
Thank you Tara and team for your dedication and care.
$53
Debbie Ware
$53
Concord Music Publishing
This is a matched donation by Concord!
$53
Kez And Dan Self
$53
Marty
I love you Tara! Such a great cause.
$53
Bridget Franc
Thank you Tara, for the support and mental health awareness you are raising for our Daylesford College school community. We are proud of you.
$53
Concord Music Publishing
This is a matched donation by Concord!
$53
Emily Brown
$53
Christina G
$53
Damian And Leonie Leonard
$53
Josh's Rainbow Eggs
This is a matched donation from Josh's Rainbow Eggs
$53
Kathryn Mcgrath
$53
Fiona
You go little mermaid. With the water in your hair and the wake on your tail. 🤗🧜🏾♀️❤️
$53
Emma Tait
$53
Fran Hartz
Go girl
$50
Reva Heard
With love
$50
Bec Tait
Fantastic effort for an amazing cause ❤️
$50
Tara Hartz
$50
Laura And Pat
Go Emma. Such a great initiative!
$50
Josh's Rainbow Eggs
This is a matched donation from Josh's Rainbow Eggs
$32
Melanie Sanderson
$32
Wesley O’shaughnessy
Good work Emma
$32
Josh's Rainbow Eggs
This is a matched donation from Josh's Rainbow Eggs
$30
Lauren Tierney
$21
Lindsey Dobeson
$21
Monique Saunders
Go Emma!!!
$20
Paige Conder
$20
Concord Music Publishing
This is a matched donation by Concord!
$11