The Y hotline keeps youth connected

The Y’ Central Coast Youth Program Coordinator Virginia Walshaw and Head of Youth Programs for the Y NSW Lisa Browne

YMCA NSW (the Y) is determined Central Coast youth won’t feel left behind during the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the closure of the Gravity Youth Centre at Lake Have and cancellation of programs due to social distancing rules, the Y has launched its Call a Youth Worker hotline so young people can stay connected online and over the phone.

The hotline is designed for young people aged 12-25 to access information about local services, support and resources that can be accessed during social isolation.

Y Central Coast Youth Program Coordinator Virginia Walshaw said young people were bearing the brunt of the pandemic, being the hardest hit group in terms of unemployment, disruptions to education and mental health concerns.

“At the Y we’re here and ready to chat when you are,” she said.

“We can help and link you to services to help with understanding social distancing rules, mental health hiccups, housing issues, financial support, foodbanks and boredom.

“There’s a lot of information and changes to normal life which can be hard to wrap your head around.

“We want our young people to know no matter what your situation is, you are not alone, and we are here to help guide you through it.”

Walshaw stressed that the Y NSW Call a Youth Worker was not a crisis service.

“We don’t offer counselling services,” she said.

Source:
Media release, May 11
Y Central Coast