Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith visited Penrith PCYC to announce that local young people will help create and benefit from a new community project thanks to the NSW Government’s Youth Opportunities grants program.
Stuart Ayres MP said the PCYC Youth Coaching program would help young people in Penrith engage with the local community and learn new skills to set them up for success in life.
“Young people thrive when they have the opportunity to participate in programs tailored to their needs,” Stuart Ayres said.
“The Youth Opportunities grants support high-quality, youth-led projects which will help young people develop the talents and tools they need to reach their career and education goals.
The PCYC Penrith Youth Committee with the support of a NSW Government grant of $49,750 will engage disadvantaged youth through the provision of a gym and fitness coaching project. A positive mentor will run daily sessions to develop fitness, promote healthier lifestyles, build self-confidence, set goals and improve connections to the community and future employment.
Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the Penrith project was one of 47 Youth Opportunities grant recipients.
“Youth Opportunities grants are delivering $2 million in funding for youth-led and youth-driven projects across NSW,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“From initiatives to assist young people to get their first job to workshops that will build vital life skills such as cooking and car maintenance, there will be incredible opportunities state-wide for young people.”
Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the program helps provide a pathway for
young people, particularly in regional areas, to find their place in their community and live independently.
“The transition from school to work is often challenging, and initiatives like the Youth Opportunities Program are imperative in helping make that transition as easy as possible for young people,” Mr Franklin said.
“This funding helps facilitate a sustained transition into employment and provides young people with a personal development pathway to upskill them into qualified, work-ready professionals.”
Youth Opportunities is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, providing $15.3 million to 329 projects across NSW since it commenced.
