Sophie said her pins were like cute little friends you could wear to brighten up a jacket or make others smile. She decided to start selling them and donating a portion to Headspace Ballarat in a bid to support fellow youth.

"I love wearing pins, like on a denim jacket,and thought this was a way to help keep up positivity," Sophie said. "...I want to do what I can to help young people who are having a tougher time.

"During these challenging times, looking after one's mental health, especially for young people, has become more important than ever. I hope that this raises awareness for Headspace as they do such fantastic work to help support young people's mental health every day. "

The Damascus College year nine student developed the fundraising concept through as a self-guided social impact project via Western Bulldogs' youth leadership program.

The Bulldogs have continued the community leadership program in an online forum, focusing on leadership, teamwork, communication and resilience with guest speakers each week.

Sophie said there had been a lot of teamwork from participants across Ballarat to make the program work and to both challenge and support each other.

"I would say the main thing I have learnt is greater empathy," Sophie said. "I like to think I am empathetic, but this is going to deeper levels of understanding about the community.

"One thing we looked at was small business and the ideas they have to help Ballarat, things they've only done because they want to help."

Sophie said she was unsure whether her clay pins would have been able to make such difference, or whether she could have considered their potential, had it not been for the Bulldogs' leadership program this year.

The youth leadership program is part of a suite of community well-being programs delivered via AFL club Western Bulldogs in partnership with City of Ballarat.

Sophie was introduced to the program by one of her house leaders at school as a way to combine her passions, like art, with building skills to actively make a difference and help others.

Recognising the impact the coronavirus pandemic was having on youth, Sophie decided to support youth mental health organisation Headspace Ballarat.

Sophie said self-care was really important, particularly in isolation, and it was important to take time to do things that made you happy. For her, this was drawing, playing guitar and talking with friends and family.

When she finishes school, Sophie aspires to work in the arts and creative industry as a character designer or storyboard artist in television, film or animation.

You can find Sophie's art and pins on her Instagram, @SophieEmma_art. Her clay friends are $12, with $2 from each sale going to Headspace Ballarat.

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