Year 11 students from Sacred Heart College Kyneton have been part of an exciting, hands-on media project empowering students to become changemakers in youth mental health. Funded by the Murray Primary Health Network, and facilitated by Anglicare, this challenge fits seamlessly into the VCE Vocational Major curriculum, as well as building technical and communication skills.

Students researched a range of wellbeing issues including mental health, substance use, and gambling harm, preparing a range of questions before hosting podcast interviews with local youth services and lived experience speakers. The podcasts are part of the Podcast Challenge involving schools around Victoria, offering the school with the most listened to podcasts the chance to win a $2000 podcast kit.

The podcast experience is far more than just a contest; it’s a powerful opportunity for young voices to break out, promoting ‘help-seeking’ and leading the conversation on youth wellbeing. A fantastic bonus to this is the chance for them to further develop their individual skills and awareness of these important support networks and their accessibility.

Topics and guests interviewed during the podcasts included:

Richard Gabriel –speaker from Respin (focusing on experiences of gambling harm)

Janaya Wiggins – Gambler’s Help therapeutic counsellor

Adrian Rettino  – Drug and alcohol intake worker, ASCO

Peter Fountain – ACSO YORS (Youth Mental Health Outreach Worker)

Chris Pidd – Murray Primary Health Network – Suicide Prevention Project Lead

Saffron explained – “It was so interesting talking with people who have firsthand experience of these issues, I enjoyed hearing their stories and also learning how to think on the spot and signal others in my team when it was time for them to be involved in the interview.”

Liam said, “I hope the podcasts reach people who may be struggling with similar issues and provide some support and information about ways to get help.”

All in the Vocational Major team would love you to follow the link and listen to the podcasts, it’s a great way learn more about the resources available for support in the Macedon Ranges – and support the students in the Challenge.