Wellbeing programs launched in YMCA Recreation Centres
YMCA wellbeing programs aimed at improving both physical and mental health, are to be launched across a number of YMCA South Australia-managed recreation centres in the next month.
Initially, there will be two programs facilitated by trained staff at each centre and include psychological and physiological input from relevant experts.
The mYnd Pump program is a free, 10-week group exercise program for young adults who need assistance with resilience and mental health. It is based on a successful model operated by YMCA Brisbane and provides free access to physical and mental training in a structured, supportive environment.
Social Walkers is also free and is a social walking program for adults, designed to provide a combination of activity and social stimulation through personal interaction.
The programs were developed and will be run until the end of January 2021 via a grant awarded through the Home and Community Care (HACC) transition funding scheme. YMCA Community Strengthening Manager, Marion Modra, said the programs filled an important need for community segments that are often overlooked.
“We have been running one-on-one sessions with clients through the program out of the Holdfast Bay Community Centre for some time and, when we received the HACC grant, it was a great opportunity to extend this type of program through our recreation centres,” she said.
We have identified a need and developed the community based programs which are accessible and will run out of selected YMCA centres. They are value-add programs that directly assist vulnerable and disadvantaged community members and they set the Y apart from other recreation and community organisations.Marion Modra — YMCA Community Strengthening Manager
The programs will operate out of the Marion Leisure and Fitness Centre, Fleurieu Aquatic Centre in Victor Harbour and the John McVeity Centre in Smithfield Plains.
Ms Modra added that, after evaluation, it was hoped that permanent programs would be made accessible through established funding streams or that would be self-funded at a cost that does not inhibit access would be developed.