With Greater Sydney plunged into lockdown, the Y NSW is staying committed to connection, offering virtual opportunities to promote active wellness at home for the young and the young at heart.
The leading not-for-profit is providing virtual fitness resources for the whole community, while also activating key youth and wellbeing programs including Uplift and Y Spaces online.
Y NSW CEO Susannah Le Bron said the organisation is focused on ensuring the benefits of connection at the Ys across the state are accessible when needed most.
“We know that there is a deep connection between physical, emotional and mental wellbeing – and just how important social connection is to everyone in New South Wales,” Mrs Le Bron said.
“We may have had to close our doors as we get through the latest outbreak of COVID-19, but we’re still open to connect with our community through a chat, an online workout, or free resources to help you prioritise wellness during this time.”
For young people
Whether young people are impacted by the Greater Sydney lockdown, or isolating elsewhere in NSW, Y NSW Executive Leader of Youth and Community Louisa McKay said it’s vital that channels remain open for them to be heard and supported.
“We know that young people are disproportionately impacted by lockdowns in terms of the disruption to casual work and education. Concerningly, more than 70 percent of young people surveyed by Headspace reported that their mental health has deteriorated since the first outbreak of the pandemic,” Ms McKay said.
“Young people are often the last to put their hand up for help, so ensuring we are visible and here for them when we can’t meet face-to-face is critical.
The Y is open to connect with young people via the following channels:
| WHEN | WHAT | MORE INFO |
|---|---|---|
|
6.7.21 11am- |
Uplift active wellness session |
Join Y Youth Workers and a Fitness Instructor for a friendly, fun and active wellbeing session from the comfort of your own home. Session is for those aged 18-25 years old. Register here: https://bit.ly/3AeXDj6 |
|
7.7.21 11am- |
Origami session |
Regular Origami expert or first timers, join our Youth Worker Mim for a fun, relaxed and interesting creative session to make amazing origami art. Session is for those aged 13-18 years. Register here: https://bit.ly/3wfQAnn |
| Ongoing |
Call A Youth
|
Young people in the regions below are invited to Call A Youth Worker if they’re feeling challenged by the current COVID-19 environment. Cooma Central Coast Western Sydney |
The Y is also rolling many of its community programs out into the workplace. With more than 43 per cent of the Y NSW’s workforce aged 25 or under, the charity is implementing daily wellbeing huddle meetings, and providing its physical and mental wellness content to staff.
For the whole community
With twelve Y NSW run recreation centres currently closed, the Y is urging the community to stay active.
Y NSW CEO Susannah Le Bron said exercise is a powerful tool when you’re stuck in a rut, feeling isolated or anxious.
“We know that exercise helps to clear the mind, improves sleep, mood and concentration, Ms Le Bron said.
“With new and critical information flooding our brains every day, the Y is urging the community to take extra care of your body throughout this period of isolation.
“We are experts in helping people from all walks of life tap into the power of exercise and while we can’t do that face-to-face, you can get your Y fix when it suits you online for free.”
The Y at Home offers home-workouts, tips, recipes, wellness strategies and fun activities for the entire family at no cost to the community.
Workout videos, tips and resources can be accessed on the Y At Home and Y NSW invites members new and old to connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
MEDIA:
Madeleine Clarke | 0400 974 816
Lyndal Stuart | 0456 773 680
