Stories from the Y

With a grant from the DHHS, we developed Virtual Y - a free online platform to support the mental and physical wellbeing of young people and the community.

At the end of 2019 and start of 2020 bushfires raged across Australia. The loss of life, wildlife, property and nature is still difficult to comprehend. Here's how the Y provided support.

In May 2020, Y associations across the country banded together to warn against the impacts of COVID-19 on young people, launching the #YWeAreHere campaign.

To combat the number of men experiencing low physical health, poor mental health and social isolation, Active Moreland launched the Men of Moreland program.

YMCA centres are more than just physical buildings and services. When a community is struggling, the Y can provide a safe space and connection to help. Derrimut YMCA Early Learning Centre has been supporting a vulnerable community experiencing socio-economic deprivation, homelessness and violence.

YMCA Victoria was heavily impacted by COVID-19. But with the support of JobKeeper, we we able to survive and rebuild. Here's how we handled the challenge.

Over 400 people attended Carlton Baths' Queer Soiree in February 2020, a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community - with live performances, stalls and support services.

YMCA Peninsula Youth Services ('Jimmy's') is dedicated to supporting young people on the Mornington Peninsula through programs such as the Teenage Girls Retreat and their online content during COVID-19.

The Y stands for empowering young people and believes in their right to be heard, that’s why we backed young people at the School Strike for Climate.

In September 2019 we held the THRIVE forum - where industry leaders, council partners and YMCA staff from across the nation came together to celebrate our common goal of making people healthier and more connected #OnlyWithTheY.

Each year, YMCA Victoria and the Victorian Father’s Day Council search for their Victorian Father of the Year. Our congratulations to two courageous fathers: Chris Youngman in 2019 and Stephen Curran in 2020.

In 2019, we held a sold-out YMCA Bridge Project Breakfast where participants Cam and Rav shared their personal stories of how YMCA Bridge Project and YMCA ReBuild helped change their lives.

Our leaders have faced new challenges this year navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, workplaces moving online, and embracing technology to deliver outcomes for our communities. Hear from our CEO, Chair of the Board, and Young Person of the Year as they reflect on the year that was.

What a curveball 2020 has been. The pandemic has had enormous repercussions across the world, from the devastating public health effects, economic downturns and mental health struggles. Here at the Y, each of our sectors has been significantly impacted by COVID-19, but in different ways.

Whilst the Y's reach has been impacted by COVID-19 this past year, our programs and services have still impacted the lives of thousands of Victorians. Here's a snapshot of what we achieved in 2019-2020.