Programs & Services
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.
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:
And personal development programs such as…
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.
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.
“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.
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.