Stories - October 23, 2024
ROAR youth activities boosting mental health
Intereach is reducing isolation and building social connections among young people from rural NSW communities through fun and engaging activities for Mental Health Month.
Thanks to funding from the NSW Government’s Winter and Spring Holiday Break Program, our Reach Out and Relax (ROAR) team ran a series of school holiday experiences promoting mental wellbeing for youth in Cootamundra, Gundagai, and Hay.
The team took participants from Gundagai and Cootamundra to the Vortex Centre in Wagga, where they enjoyed rock climbing, high ropes, bumper cars, and obstacle courses. The fun didn’t stop there, with an afternoon of Ten-Pin Bowling, pizza lunch, and arcade games.
It was so wonderful to see the young people excited, laughing and creating lasting memories together."
Geoff Dewar - ROAR Child Family and Community Worker (pictured left)
ROAR Program Manager Jayne Lang said these activities reflected Intereach’s commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people in regional communities.
“Creating fun and engaging activities for our young people is vital,” she said.
They not only promote mental wellbeing but help to reduce isolation and build social connections. By providing these experiences, we’re fostering the resilience of young people and working towards our vision of creating strong, connected communities.
“We are incredibly grateful for the NSW Government’s support through the Winter and Spring Holiday Break Program, which made some of these memorable experiences possible for the youth in our communities.”
ROAR aims to improve mental health outcomes for children and young people up to the age of 18. It is delivered across the NSW local government areas of Balranald, Wentworth, Berrigan, Hay, Edward River, Murray River, Federation, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, Wagga Wagga, Lockhart, Leeton, Temora, Griffith, Carrathool, Coolamon, Cootamundra, Gundagai and Junee.
For information, call 1300 488 226 or visit www.intereach.com.au/search/ROAR