Everyone deserves the chance to be active, learn new skills and feel part of a community. Sadly, this is not the case for many in our communities experiencing disadvantage. Many can’t afford it right now.
The Y Open Doors steps in to subsidise access to our programs so children, young people, adults and seniors can join in safely and confidently.
Your support funds lessons that build water confidence, programs that support health and independence, and the opportunity to spend time in welcoming places where people connect.
If you can help, a donation today goes straight to opening a door for someone in your local area.
Your gift can help cover:
- Swim lesson fees for kids and adults
- Access to health and fitness programs
- Supported places at camp and community programs
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Who can access Open Doors?
Open Doors can help people of all ages access Y programs and services when cost is a barrier.
Support is delivered locally, so it’s best to contact your nearest participating centre and speak with our team about applying.
Applicants must be living locally to a YMCA or attending a school or service in the area. They must also be nominated by a referral agency to assess the individual's eligibility. Referral agencies include:
- Employment services
- Support groups
- Welfare organisations
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Support and eligibility
- All applications must be nominated by a referral agency to assess eligibility for subsidised access.
- Eligibility and the level of support available are assessed locally by each participating centre.
- Support may vary depending on the programs offered at your local centre, available funding and individual circumstances.
- Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult while attending any Y program.
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Application process
For individuals and families
- Find a program or service at your local centre that you feel would benefit you.
- Speak to the staff at a verified referral agency and tell them that you are experiencing difficult circumstances and would like to access YMCA programs or services.
- Visit your local participating centre and speak with a team member about Open Doors.
- Our team will speak with you about the support you need, the programs available at the centre and the next steps to access Open Doors.
For community organisations and support workers
- Identify clients who may benefit from accessing a Y program or service.
- Confirm that you will liaise with the YMCA so that your client will be supported throughout the time they are with the YMCA.
- Verify that your client would benefit from participating in a YMCA program or service but due to their financial situation is unable to do so.
Please note: approval of an application is made at our centre's discretion based on the details provided.
YMCA Open Doors forms:
- The application form must be completed by the individual seeking support.
- The nomination form must be completed by a referral agency to verify that the applicant is unable to pay but would benefit greatly from participating in a YMCA program or service.
Both of these forms need to be completed and submitted to the YMCA Open Doors representative at your local centre.