Newcastle Permanent donates $125,000 to aid PCYC youth mental health program

The partnership was announced during Youth Week with PCYC and Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation launching PCYC's GRIT [Growth-mindset Resilience Intervention for Teenagers] program in Bathurst.

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To mark its milestone 500th project, Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation is investing $125,000 to enable PCYC to launch and pilot GRIT across regional NSW.

PCYC NSW CEO Dominic Teakle said statistics show one in four young Australians live with a mental illness and one in three experience moderate to high levels of psychological distress.

"The GRIT program integrates specific mental resilience skills training, with nutrition education, and physical fitness," Mr Teakle said.

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"The program is being piloted among 12-18 year olds, and will complement the NSW police commissioner's RISEUP strategy to reconnect disengaged youth to family, education, culture, employment and community."

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Board chair Jennifer Leslie said the foundation has a long-standing partnership with PCYC in Bathurst and across regional NSW.

"We couldn't think of a better organisation, and program, to bestow our 500th funding grant on," Ms Leslie said.

"This is why the Charitable Foundation and PCYC are calling on local residents, businesses, sports teams and community groups to match our donation through getting sponsored to enter the Star Jump Challenge."

Bathurst PCYC staff, children, Newcastle Permanent employees, families and friends have already joined the cause, alongside a host of regional PCYC Clubs and personalities including boxer Tim Tszyu, Sydney Kings basketballers, former NRL footballer Mark Geyer and Paralympian swimmer Ellie Cole.

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"The Star Jump Challenge is a fun way for us to generate awareness around youth mental health and ultimately the funds to help combat its impact through the GRIT program. I believe this program will make a big impact here in Bathurst and surrounding communities," PCYC Bathurst manager David Hitchick said.

"A resilience building program, purpose built to support the most vulnerable youth in our communities will be a game-changer here in Bathurst."

Over 1000 people have already signed up to star jump and help match the funds donated by the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation to raise funds for GRIT.

For more information on the PCYC Star Jump Challenge, visit www.starjumpchallenge.org.au.

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