With life flipped on its head by the pandemic, the YMCA NSW (the Y) is on-call and ready to help youth in the Central Coast, Cooma and Parramatta.
Despite the closure of the centres and cancellation of programs due to social distancing rules, the Y are still here for young people over the phone and online through the newly launched ‘Call a Youth Worker’ hotline.
The hotline is for young people 12-25 to access information about local services, support and resources that can be accessed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Y Youth Outreach and Inclusion Coordinator Elise Kellett usually runs youth programs at the Parramatta Library and through the Streetgym program in Telopea and Constitution Hill. She said despite COVID-19, the Y is still here for young people, just in different ways.
“At the Y we’re here and ready to chat when you are! We can help link you to services to help with understanding social distancing rules, mental health hiccups, housing issues, financial support, schooling at home and isolation,” Elise said.
“We know this is a really hard time for our young people, and that they are often the last to put their hand up for help. No matter what your situation is or where you are, you are not alone and we are here to help guide you through it.”
The hotlines can be contacted on the following days and times:
• Parramatta – Tuesday to Friday 2pm-6pm – book call back
• Cooma – Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm - 0403 498 322 – book call back
• Central Coast – Monday-Thursday 11am-3pm 0409 658 302 – book call back
The Y NSW Call a Youth Worker is not a crisis service and we don’t offer counselling services. If you or someone you care about are experiencing a crisis, please contact our friends at Kids Helpline Official 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline 13 11 14. If you are experiencing an emergency, please contact 000 immediately.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Madeleine Clarke on 0400 974 816 or Kate Hancock on 0439 427 522
