Young people living in the wider Lake Haven region will soon have access to more support and opportunities with the YMCA NSW (the Y) establishing a new Youth Team at Gravity Youth Centre.
The new team, Lisa Browne (Community & Youth Programs Manager) and Virginia Walshaw (Youth and Programs Coordinator) are both seasoned Central Coast Youth Support Workers with over 15 years local experience and are keen to develop and deliver innovative support, leadership and advocacy programming for local young people aged 12-25.
“What excites me most is the thought of building from the ground up. Developing a Y Space here on the Central Coast; consulting, working with and empowering local young people, at a local level, addressing local needs and issues,” said Virginia.
“Traditionally the weight of services and youth activities have been centred around Gosford and Wyong, so the opportunity to deliver programming and develop partnerships in the wider Lake Haven region is incredibly important.”
Lisa said that while the Y is not new to the Coast, having delivered its highly successful Breakfast Program out of Lake Haven Recreation Centre for the past ten years, she is keen to introduce the Y’s other highly successful programs to young people in the area.
“The first project out of the gate is the acclaimed Streetgym – a free program giving young people aged 12-18 the opportunity to engage in structured physical activities and a healthy afternoon tea in their own neighbourhood,” Lisa said.
“Streetgym will be run come rain or shine every Thursday 2.30pm-4.30pm during school term, at the Outdoor Rec Facility, Lake Haven Recreation Centre.”
“We’re really looking forward to meeting more young people in the area and to rolling out more of our popular Youth Programs.”
Contact Virginia on 0409 658 302 for more information about programs in the Lake Haven area.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Hancock on 0439 427 522 or Bridgette Godden on 0437 789 206
