Spend a day in program with Ladder student placement Aidan We asked Aidan to take us behind the scenes for a “day in the life” through his eyes. Here’s what he had to say. Today’s guest speaker was Linda from headspace, who ran a really informative session about drugs and alcohol, focusing on the importance of being informed, staying safe, and reducing risk. I think this topic is extremely important because young people are often faced with social situations and pressures involving drugs and alcohol. Having the right information helps them make safer choices and understand the risks involved. It also helps reduce stigma and opens the door for honest conversations about support and wellbeing. Linda’s approach was really engaging and non-judgmental. She encouraged everyone to share their thoughts and experiences in a safe and supportive way. She made sure everyone felt heard and reminded us that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Then we visited the Morwell Neighbourhood House, where we helped cook 41 meals for their food bank program. We all took part in preparing, cooking, and packing the meals together as a team. The young people were really proud to be doing something meaningful for their community. You could see the sense of teamwork and pride in helping others. Personally, I felt inspired. It was rewarding to see how a small act can make a big difference in people’s lives. It’s important for young people to connect with their local community because it helps young people build a sense of belonging and purpose. Getting involved locally teaches empathy, teamwork, and responsibility, and helps them see the positive impact they can have on others. Today reinforced how connected mental health, community involvement, and personal wellbeing really are. I learned that supporting others, whether through education, conversation, or practical help can make a real difference. I’ll take this experience into my Certificate IV in Mental Health studies and future work by always promoting inclusion, empathy, and community connection as key parts of mental health support. Manage Cookie Preferences