Y NSW commits to community connection during Greater Sydney COVID lockdown

July 5, 2021

Karen Sweaney

Fitness / Wellness /

With 12 Y NSW run recreation centres currently closed during Greater Sydney’s COVID lockdown, the Y is providing free virtual fitness resources for the whole community, while also activating key youth and wellbeing programs including Uplift and Y Spaces online.

Y NSW Chief Executive Susannah Le Bron said the organisation is focused on ensuring the benefits of connection at the Ys across the state are accessible when needed most.

Le Bron notes “we know that there is a deep connection between physical, emotional and mental wellbeing – and just how important social connection is to everyone in New South Wales.

“We may have had to close our doors as we get through the latest outbreak of COVID-19, but we’re still open to connect with our community through a chat, an online workout, or free resources to help you prioritise wellness during this time.”

For Young People
Whether young people are impacted by the Greater Sydney lockdown, or isolating elsewhere in NSW, Y NSW Executive Leader of Youth and Community Louisa McKay said it’s vital that channels remain open for them to be heard and supported.

McKay adds “we know that young people are disproportionately impacted by lockdowns in terms of the disruption to casual work and education. Concerningly, more than 70% of young people surveyed by Headspace reported that their mental health has deteriorated since the first outbreak of the pandemic.

“Young people are often the last to put their hand up for help, so ensuring we are visible and here for them when we can’t meet face-to-face is critical.

The Y is open to connect with young people via the following channels:

Uplift active wellness session
Join Y Youth Workers and a Fitness Instructor for a friendly, fun and active wellbeing session from the comfort of your own home.

Tuesday, 6^th July, 11am-12pm
Session is for those aged 18-25 years old.
Register here

Origami session
Regular Origami expert or first timers, join Youth Worker Mim for a fun, relaxed and interesting creative session to make origami art.

Wednesday 7^th July, 11am-12pm
Session is for those aged 13-18 years.
Register here

Call A Youth Worker
Young people in the regions below are invited to Call A Youth Worker if they’re feeling challenged by the current COVID-19 environment.
Cooma (0403 498 322)
Tuesday - Friday, 9am-5pm

Central Coast (0409 658 302)
Monday - Thursday, 11am-3pm

Western Sydney
Monday - Friday, 1.30-5pm
Book a call back

The Y is also rolling many of its community programs out into the workplace. With more than 43% of the Y NSW’s workforce aged 25 or under, the charity is implementing daily wellbeing huddle meetings, and providing its physical and mental wellness content to staff.

For the whole community

As twelve Y NSW run recreation centres are currently closed, the Y is urging the community to stay active with Le Bron adding “we know that exercise helps to clear the mind, improves sleep, mood and concentration.

“With new and critical information flooding our brains every day, the Y is urging the community to take extra care of your body throughout this period of isolation.

“We are experts in helping people from all walks of life tap into the power of exercise and while we can’t do that face-to-face, you can get your Y fix when it suits you online for free.”

The Y at Home offers home-workouts, tips, recipes, wellness strategies and fun activities for the entire family at no cost to the community.

Workout videos, tips and resources can be accessed at www.ymcansw.org.au/blog and Y NSW invites members new and old to connect with the @theynsw on Facebook and Instagram.

About the author

Karen Sweaney

Co-founder and Editor, Australasian Leisure Management

Artist, geoscientist and specialist writer on the leisure industry, Karen Sweaney is Editor and co-founder of Australasian Leisure Management.

Based in Sydney, Australia, her specific areas of interest include the arts, entertainment, the environment, fitness, tourism and wellness.

She has degrees in Fine Arts from the University of Sydney and Geological Oceanography from UNSW.

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