Wellness hub connects local youth

AN ELIA Wellness Hub at Norlane is helping young people across the region find social and community connection while enjoying fresh and free food.

The after-school run program provides youths with a space to play games, socialise and connect with others within their community.

The outreach service has been running every fortnight on a Tuesday afternoon since September last year and is facilitated by keen volunteers who are out to make a positive difference in their own backyard.

Founder Michelle Van Egmond said the service aimed to help people in need.

“We recognised there was a need for activities and youth engagement within the Norlane community.

“After consulting and working with the Avery Café nearby, we found that youth were becoming disengaged and community connection was lacking.

“Ultimately our ten or so volunteers each week are there to provide that youth mentorship to the children and to help them develop resilience, positive mental health and food service skills.”

While they haven’t been open for a very long time, Mrs Van Egmond said it has been wonderful to see the program become gradually more popular over the past few months.

“We are really happy with how it has been going.

“It took us a bit to get the word out there about what we are doing, but now that we’ve gained a bit more support it’s been really steady.

“We are always happy to see more and more children using the service… that’s what we are here for.

“We are also always willing to have more volunteers jump on board to help us out!”

Elia Wellness Hub is thankful for community donations including two grants from Elia Wellness and the City of Greater Geelong.

Volunteers also sell food and drinks at local markets and events, to support the program.

The next youth meet is on June 13 from 3.15pm to 5.15pm at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Donnybrook Road, Norlane.