PCYC’s Fit for Life, Nations of Origin and Messy Play programs are among the latest round of successful projects announced under the NSW Government’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery initiative.
Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin and Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman announced the funding for expansion of the Fit for Life Program to Yass High School on Friday.
Fit for Life at Yass High School will see students picked up before school once-a-week for breakfast with the PCYC, NSW Police and other agencies such as Headspace.
A recent survey of Yass young people highlighted the need for more local activities, mental health, drug and alcohol use support and family conflict as some of the major issues impacting them.
Fit for Life will help support young people by providing a safe space to engage with adult mentors, PCYC staff, NSW Police and other support agencies and has been successfully run in Goulburn for several years – with the program being expanded to primary students this year.
Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the investment by the Liberals and Nationals will improve access to programs and resources to help young people recover, build resilience, strengthen community networks, and improve mental health and wellbeing.
“The large grants fund projects like Fit for Life but can also fund community events, peer support groups, cultural connection or partnership programs, while small grants are to enable initiatives like sporting programs and barbecues,” Mr Franklin said.
“Our Regional Youth Community Coordinators will help connect young people with the projects that best support their wellbeing and recovery and foster resilience and connection.”
The Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative is funded through the NSW COVID-19 Economic Recovery Initiative and the co-funded NSW and Australian Governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Mrs Tuckerman said the projects across the region will help support recovery and boost resilience for young people in the region following the impacts of natural disasters and COVID-19.
“I’m thrilled that the NSW Government is focused on helping young people in our community,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“These excellent programs are all about building resilience, wellbeing improvement and providing our young people with tools and resources they need to become the best version of themselves.”
The $10.3 million Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative offers large grants between $10,000 and $50,000 and small grants for up to $10,000. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for funding for wellbeing programs, events and resources as part of the initiative. Funding is still available and applications will close on 31 December 2022 or when funding is fully allocated.
For program and eligibility guidelines, visit nsw.gov.au/YouthWellbeing
The announced projects across the Goulburn electorate include:
- $18,250 for Fit for Life at PCYC Yass
- $50,000 for Fit for Life Primary School at PCYC Goulburn
- $12,896.00 for Messy Play at PCYC Goulburn
- $10,000.00 for Nations of Origin at PCYC
- $9,760 for Sound Bath Meditation, Social Emotional Awareness Literacy Programs, and Life Education ‘Healthy Harold’ Programs at SDN’s Children’s Services
- $10,000 for Goulburn Mulwaree Council’s Teens Mental Health First Aid Training.
- Action for Agriculture delivered to Binda Public School, St Marys Primary School Crookwell, Robertson Primary School, Crookwell High School, Moss Vale High School
WENDY TUCKERMAN 