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PCYC NSW Fit for Life program changing lives through exercise and mentorship

PCYC NSW Fit for Life program changing lives through exercise and mentorship

Amber Griffin

“PCYC is more than a club, it’s a community.”

PCYC NSW is a youth charity, with a range of programs transforming young lives and positively impacting communities across New South Wales.

‘Fit for Life’ is a standout, it’s designed to get 10 to 16-year-olds active in life, promoting physical fitness, wellbeing and educational engagement – the program is unique in the way it works to reduce and prevent antisocial behaviour.

PCYC staff, in partnership with NSW Police Youth Engagement Officers, run structured before-school sports and activities, fostering positive lifestyle habits in young people. Participants are also served a nutritious breakfast, and driven to school safely in a PCYC bus.

Noah Hughes said Fit for Life has helped him keep fit and healthy, and that the program encourages him to get out of bed in the morning. “Fit for Life is an inclusive and respectful place that everyone can come to – we help each other up and make sure we hold each other accountable.” Said Noah.

PCYC Club Manager, Stacey Chant said, “I love that the young people walk out of here happy and knowing that they have a purpose – PCYC is more than a club, it’s a community.”

The mentorship element of Fit for Life is just as valuable, youth can confide in PCYC staff with anything from what’s going on at school, to difficulty staying out of trouble.

One Youth Engagement Officer said, “We’ve seen kids turn up to Fit for Life from one week, all the way through to a whole term, and also seeing that their school attendance has increased from attending this program, as we build positive relationships with the students.”

In the year to date, more than 3,900 young people have signed up for Fit for Life, with more than 24,000 attendances. That’s compared to 18,900 in the same period last year.

Demand for the program is only set to rise, with a growing number of young people in need of support as they face social challenges like loneliness, lack of access to activities, troubles at school, and navigating social media.

Participant, Jayden has seen a transformation in himself since he joined PCYC.

“I was not at school much, and always running a muck a bit, but since I started coming here meeting all the staff, they’re good people so they changed me around a bit,” said Jayden.

“I would definitely recommend PCYC’s Fit for Life, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened.”

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PCYC NSW Fit for Life program changing lives through exercise and mentorship

Amber Griffin

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