The Y NSW is proud to announce the Lake Haven Brekkie & B-ball Club will return next week.
After a year in hibernation due to COVID restrictions, Y Space Central Coast are thrilled to re-launch the invaluable program from March 1.
The club proactively and positively tackles food insecurity, mental and physical health among 12 to 18-year-olds in the Lake Haven region. Since the outset of COVID-19, Australian charities report demand for food relief has increased by 47% with young people the hardest hit by the impact of the pandemic*.
Delivered every Monday and Wednesday during the school term from 7am-8.30am, young people can access free healthy food and fitness at the Lake Haven Recreation Centre ahead of their school day.
Y NSW Youth Programs Coordinator for the Central Coast Virginia Walshaw said that youth of the region have missed the opportunity to connect face-to-face over the past year.
“We know that success at school doesn’t start and stop when the bell rings. A healthy breakfast and exercise assist young people in their capacity to learn throughout the day,” Virginia said.
“Beyond that, Brekkie and B-ball really is such a social occasion. It’s an opportunity to mix, to meet up for a chat and a giggle and for young people to get their heads in the right space for the day to come.”
Supported by Y NSW Youth Workers, the club is a safe and accessible environment welcoming to young people of all abilities.
COVID-Safe measures have been introduced to ensure this important initiative can continue to be delivered. The Brekkie & B-ball Club has been running for over 12 years now, thanks to the support of Central Coast Council’s Lake Haven Recreation Centre and numerous amazing volunteers.
Since Y Space Central Coast officially opened in 2019, Y NSW have delivered 107 sessions to 5048 participants, averaging 47 young people per session.
Partners and supporters include Gorokan High School’s student support staff, Ability Options, IGA Kanwal, Lakelands and Toukley Neighbourhood Centres, the Benevolent Society and North Lakes Toukley Rotary Club.
If you are interested in more information about the program, are available to volunteer or would like to support this initiative further, please contact centralcoast.youth@ymcansw.org.au
*Foodbank Hunger Report, October 2020 https://www.foodbank.org.au/foodinsecurity/?state=nsw-act
MEDIA
Madeleine Clarke 0400 974 816 or Andrew Williams 0439 427 522
