PCYC NSW Reopens Post Lockdown and Calls for Ongoing Support

PCYC NSW has now reopened all 66 clubs across the state following the extended lockdown. While the period was difficult for all, there is no doubt that it had particularly adverse effects on the vulnerable youth supported by the charity. 

Intending to care and serve this population, nearly 90% of operations are funded via club activities, fundraising and contestable grants. With the closures, hundreds of thousands of dollars typically generated through these channels were lost, impacting the vital programs that support at-risk youth. PCYC NSW CEO Dominic Teakle notes, "Over the past four months, our clubs across NSW have been accessible to vulnerable young people if they needed a place to hang-out or access facilities for learning. PCYC's have also been used for vaccination hubs, but this month is the first time since the early July Greater Sydney lockdowns were announced that all of our clubs are once again open to the public."

Throughout lockdown, the organisation took several measures to promote community and safety even amidst adversity.

• 10 clubs opened as vaccination clinics for the local community.
• PCYC NSW continued to work with community groups, partners (like Parramatta Eels) and NSW Police to deliver care packages to those most affected by the restrictions.
• Mayor Chagai - a Savannah Pride Basketball coach at PCYC Blacktown - joined with Multicultural NSW to deliver food and host online vaccination Q and A's.
• PCYC Cessnock hosted a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic for Awabakal Ltd, an Aboriginal Medical Service in the region. It saw more than 400 people from the surrounding social housing receive their jabs.

As Teakle reminds us, support is more important than ever: "I'd like to encourage everyone to get active and back into their local club. New members are warmly welcomed. By supporting your PCYC club, you are helping to build community resilience by transforming the lives of young people and giving back to the local community."
 

Find out more and support PCYC NSW here.