b'Celebrating authenticity Sowing seeds of connectionWe believe in celebrating difference. Our DiversityCOVID-19 has meant many families faced Youth Group in Shepparton exists to provide aisolation over the last year, needing extra supportive, inclusive community for LGBTIQ+support and consistent connection through hard young people to explore their individuality andtimes. Our Gippsland playgroups partnered embrace their most authentic selves. with the Seed Community Garden (Sale) to host Throughout the year, our team has supportedsmall talk playgroups twice a week. the peer-led group to remain connected withThe Seed Community Garden (Sale) is a space each other and care for each other through thewhere families can connect and learn about uncertainties of COVID-19. growing their own vegetables.Youth leaders from the group joined with otherDuring COVID-19 restrictions, every family LGBTIQ+ young people from across North-Eastwas sent a weekly activity pack to keep their Victoria, and supported by our team, planned theyoung ones engaged and entertained. The Rainbow Ball. teams created stimulating videos for playtime, Sadly, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Ballcovering everything from nature to animals to had to be re-imagined. Committed to the youngcooking at home.people they work with, our staff delivered PrideWhen restrictions were lifted, families came Packs to all those attending the Ball online. Thetogether in the garden, discovering an inclusive packs served to remind young people that theyspace to connect, learn new skills and grow their are worthy, lovable, brave and enough.own vegetables.This group continues to thrive and has becomeSpeaking up abouta permanent part of the Seed Community mental healthGarden family.It can be taboo to talk about suicidebut silence is more dangerous when it comes to mental health.Find out moreTo help communities engage in these tough conversations, our Lifeline Melbourne service partnered with Orygen Youth Mental Health to deliver SafeTALK suicide-awareness training. For the next 4 years, Year 10 students in the northwest areas of Melbourne will learn to be more aware of suicide and recognise others at risk. Understanding the seriousness of the situation, students will learn how to connect anyone with thoughts of suicide with immediate help.Uniting Vic.Tas Annual Report 2020-2021 15'