HUB OF hope By Andrea Rowe Photos Yanni
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eeling empowered, emotionally supported, and encouraged to connect with people, through meaningful projects and a sense of place in tough times is the successful secret behind Jimmy’s Youth Wellbeing Sanctuary Jimmy’s offers a welcoming and safe retreat and experiences to strengthen mental, physical, and emotional health and resilience of local teenagers and young adults. It’s an integrated youth hub that has the potential to address long-standing youth mental health and wellbeing issues across the Peninsula. Managed by the YMCA Youth Services, Jimmy’s is a fresh new take on a gathering space for young people to connect with trained and qualified staff, as well as volunteers and mentors with backgrounds in holistic practices. Jeanette Horsley is the Manager of YMCA Peninsula Youth Services, which has been operating on the Peninsula for over 15 years. It was a professional and passionate eight-year focus for Jeanette and her colleagues to see the doors swing open on this new venue. “When young people hit roadblocks in life, we wanted this to be a place where doors open and they can discover new ways of approaching challenges, or just enjoy stepping back from hard times and immersing themselves in experiences to broaden their identity.” First time 12 – 25-year-old visitors might feel they’ve stepped into a funky Federation Square building that’s a hybrid of relaxed lounge, café, games venue and university hub. Once inside young people are invited to interact with the space in a way that suits each person individually; they may be making a coffee or after school snack, having a chat with a holistic practitioner, learning how to create a new signature dish, or chilling in a bean bag and finishing off homework while enjoying the vibe. Since it’s official opening in December 2021 by the Minister for Health, Hon Greg Hunt, Jimmy’s welcome mat is out and teens and young adults have gathered for after school hangouts, group cooking sessions, wellbeing talks or a chance to meet mates, grab a bite together and make new mates after a gruelling few lock-down years. continued page 12...
E ssence
10 | PENINSULA
August 2022