The local YMCA NSW Swim School is providing free swimming lessons for 14 Central Coast children with a disability to help them master new skills and enjoy quality time with their families.
This term the YMCA Swim School at Mariners Centre of Excellence offered the ‘integrated’ lessons so that siblings, parents and carers of the children from the Yarran Early Intervention Services community could get into the water and participate together, with positive outcomes for all involved.
YMCA NSW Swimming instructor Jodie Mizzi said: “Having their families in the water with the children gives them confidence to try new things - one of our participants has been working on his fear of entering tunnels through play and has already conquered this fear.
“Another wonderful outcome of these lessons is seeing the interaction between siblings. Often siblings of children with a disability find it difficult to participate with their brother or sister in a meaningful way, but in the water you can see them smiling, playing and encouraging each other.”
The YMCA Swim School at Mariners is delighted to be able to provide the classes for free to local families, said YMCA NSW CEO Leisa Hart.
“Every child deserves to learn important water safety skills and to discover the joy of mastering new things,” she said.
“With money raised through our national Swimathon fundraiser earlier this year, we are thrilled that we can offer the lessons at no cost and help create meaningful and fun experiences for the children and their families.”
For more information on YMCA locations and programs, visit www.ymcansw.org.au
Media contact:
Louise O’Donnell
Media and Content Specialist
YMCA NSW
E: louise.odonnell@ymcansw.org.au
About the YMCA:
YMCA NSW is a community not-for-profit organisation committed to connecting people to their communities to live healthier and happier lives. We deliver services in more than 100 locations across NSW including camps, before and after school care, community recreation and sporting facilities, swimming pools and youth services. We also raise funds to deliver much needed community programs. With a commitment to delivering healthy living programs, empowering young people and making a positive social impact, we strive to ensure that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive. With the Y, everyone can be healthier, happier and connected to their community.
About Yarran Early Intervention Services:
Yarran is a not profit, community based, early childhood intervention service for children aged from birth to eight years of age with developmental disabilities. Yarran is a registered NDIS provider and offers families flexible support options to help their children achieve their support plan goals. This includes key worker, therapy, early intervention and therapy groups. Children can be supported in their home, childcare, preschool, school, community activities and in Yarran's playrooms. Families can contact the CEO on 0414943404.
