Programs & Services
Who we are
Jimmy’s is a purpose-built Youth Wellbeing Sanctuary for marginalised, disengaged and disadvantaged youth on the Mornington Peninsula; a safe place for young people to connect with trained, qualified staff and volunteers/mentors, where they can engage in holistic, complementary and current wellbeing practices, as well as skill based learning to strengthen their mental, physical & emotional health, resilience and skill sets.
OUR SERVICES
At Jimmy’s, young people can engage in holistic, complementary and current wellbeing practices, as well as skill based learning to strengthen their mental, physical and emotional health, resilience and skill sets.
Jimmy’s will be available to all young people challenged by their teenage years, life circumstances or a desire to find somewhere they can just be themselves. With an ‘open door’ policy, young people are referred to Jimmy’s via the YMCA Youth Services, local schools, youth and family support agencies, families and friends.
Jimmy’s will provide the following educational opportunities:
- Residential Wellbeing Workshops for young people and potentially their parents
- Youth and teen Mental Health First Aid Courses
- Skills development, in the fullness of time, through a Social Enterprise Cafe, Jimmy’s Kitchen.
And personal development programs such as…
- Alternative and holistic mental health and physical wellness practices and treatments
- One-on-one coaching and mentoring
- Youth camps
- Teenage girls and boys retreats
- Weekly youth programs
Building stronger community connections, self-esteem, skills and strategies, is well documented to help reduce the risk of young people experiencing mental illness during teenage years and into their adult life.
Greater academic outcomes and improved job prospects as a result of improved mental and physical health will assist young people to lead the way for generational change across the community and enjoy happy, successful lives.
OUR PROGRAMS
We offer a range of on-going programs designed to assist young people in the community achieve their full potential. They aim to engage young people for the long term, not just through the delivery of one-off programs. Intervention, prevention and connection are the key drivers that underpin all their programs. While circumstances and background can prove challenging and difficult for young people at various stages of their lives, this is not what defines us. An ability to overcome challenges, learn coping and resilience strategies and develop a strong and healthy self esteem and physical self is critical to leading a happy and successful life. Weekly on-going youth programs, camps and retreats and special interest groups attract a diverse range of young people to our programs and are resulting in long term connectedness.
CURRENT PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
- Weekly Youth Group Programs
- Annual Youth Camp
- Annual Teenage Girls Retreat
- Teenage Health & Wellbeing Programs
- Community Mentoring
- Special Interest programs – ie. photography, writing & journalism
- School holiday programs & activities
- One on one personal development coaching
- Southern Peninsula Youth Foundation Grant Program – development and facilitation of youth projects and events inspired and lead by young people
“Young people attending our programs are often living in difficult family circumstances. Personal and observed trauma, family violence, generational unemployment, social isolation and family history of mental illness can place young people at higher risk of developing mental health problems themselves. By providing a safe nurturing environment, activities and initiatives to help build coping strategies and resilience, we aim to help young people reveal the very best of themselves and open pathways to opportunities that highlight their unique qualities and abilities,”
says Jeanette Horsley, Manager YMCA Peninsula Youth Services.
YOUTH WELLBEING SANCTUARY
Building stronger community connections, self-esteem, skills and strategies are proven to help reduce the risk of young people experiencing mental illness during teenage years and into their adult life.