Friday, 14 August 2020
The Police Citizen Youth Clubs NSW (PCYC) in Tamworth is providing a personalised check-in and care
package delivery service to re-engage with the community, boosted by a COVID-19 community recovery grant
from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
The $33,000 grant will be shared between six PCYC centres across regional NSW including Tamworth and will
assist the initiative, which was devised by local clubs during the forced isolation and shutdown, reach many
more young people and their families.
The one-to-one delivery program will give PCYC staff a key opportunity to connect once again with young, atrisk members of the Tamworth community. A social interaction that many vulnerable members of the community
have been missing since the start of COVID-19.
In addition to checking the wellbeing of families and individuals who may be feeling disconnected from society,
PCYC staff are delivering care packages containing food, toiletries, cleaning supplies and other necessities. The
contents are sourced and purchased from local businesses and donations from the community.
During this challenging time, PCYC Tamworth is witnessing its most vulnerable and at-risk youth becoming
further disengaged and increasingly vulnerable to becoming both victims and perpetrators of crime and antisocial behaviour.
Debby Herdegen, Club Manager of PCYC Tamworth, said how important this check-in service is amongst the
COVID-19 uncertainty.
“Our community has been severely impacted by the ongoing effects of COVID-19, with the most vulnerable and
at-risk youth becoming further isolated and at risk of harm, Debby said.
“This initiative provides us with an opportunity to maintain contact with people and families to ensure they have
access to support they need during this tough time.
“Although our Club is now open and operational with a COVID safe plan in place, so many members of our
community are struggling to recover from the mental and financial strains this pandemic has created. This
service offers a personal approach that helps our neighbours reconnect,” Debby said.
The grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation will enable the program to be expanded in six
communities including Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Muswellbrook, Tamworth and Grafton which have all been
supported by a partnership between PCYC NSW and the Charitable Foundation that spans more than 16
years.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Acting Chair, Jennifer Leslie said community-led recovery
initiatives were critical to helping local people reconnect with support services.
“PCYC NSW is an iconic part of the social fabric in regional communities so it is important that we continue to
support practical and resourceful programs like this that help prevent further marginalisation of people as we
endure months of uncertainty.
“The ongoing impacts of COVID-19 are resulting in tangible economic and social pressures, which we’re
witnessing throughout our communities.
“During this time it’s crucial that we look after one and other and prevent anyone falling through the cracks,
which is exactly what this program is set to achieve”, Jennifer said.
PCYC has a risk management plan to ensure its facilities and participants are safe. Distance, sanitisation and
PPE procedures will all be followed to minimise any risks arising from the program.