Juggling life’s challenges can be overwhelming for teenagers, says Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli.
“Exercise and eating well can play a big part in getting our teenagers back on track.’’
But Camden Council isn’t just talking about this issue facing local teenagers.
It is getting behind Uplift, a brand new active wellness program designed to help young residents deal with challenges around mental health, stress with studies, family life and friends.
The free six week program by the Y (formerly YMCA), will be held at Mount Annan Leisure Centre every Wednesday from 6pm.
“While The Y staff are not counsellors or psychologists, this program is about seeing the benefits exercise can have on your mental and physical health,’’ Cr Fedeli said.
“Exercise is a scientifically proven mood booster, decreasing symptoms of both depression and anxiety. It also helps to reduce stress, increase self esteem and self confidence, improve sleep and boosts brainpower.”
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In addition to the weekly Uplift classes, eligible residents will have access to:
- free fitness membership at Mount Annan Leisure Centre for the six weeks, including group fitness classes and small group training;
- Support and education around a range of topics, including exercising safety, the benefits of exercise, goal setting and eating healthy; and
- Ongoing support from The Y NSW staff.
Mount Annan Leisure Centre is the place to be for young residents, with a number of new and regular programs about to kick off. They include:
- The unique Female Wellness Project, which teaches young women (12-8 years) nutrition tips, how to comfortably use gym equipment and mindfulness methods. Term One 2020 of this program will run every Monday from February 3 to April 6, 4.15-5pm, and Term Two will kick back off on April 27 and until June 29;
- Youth Fit Squad, which involves a range of functional, body weight and free weight activities. Term One of this program will run every Thursday from February 6 to April 9, 4.15-5pm, for residents aged between 12 and 18 years and Term Two will kick back off on April 30 and run until July 2;
- The regular StreetgYm program will now run every Wednesday from February 12 to June 24, 3.30-5.30pm, for residents aged between 12 and 18 years. This program will not run in the school holidays; and
- The regular late-night basketball program, which encompasses three-on-three games, dunking contests, three-point shoot outs and more, continues to run on the last Friday of each month, 9pm-midnight, for residents aged between 16 and 25 years.
For more information about these programs, visit ymcansw.org.au/centres/mount-annan-leisure-centre