YMCA Open Doors helps people experiencing disadvantage by subsiding access to our programs and services.
The Y offers a great range of programs and services for people of all ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds and lifestyles. Our programs change lives.
However, unfortunately not all people can afford to participate. It's our mission to provide equal access to health and wellness services to all members of the community, and help everyone lead healthier and happier lives.
If you would like to support YMCA Open Doors, please donate today.
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Who can apply?
Applications are open to people of all ages who cannot access the Y's facilities due to financial difficulties. Applicants must be living locally to a Y facility or attending a school or service in the area.
All applications must be nominated by a referral agency in order to assess the individual's eligibility.
Referral agencies include:
- employment services
- support groups
- welfare organisations.
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Support and eligibility
Eligibility
- All applications must be nominated by a referral agency to assess eligibility for subsidised access.
- Applicants must be living or attending a service or school local to a Y facility.
- Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult while attending any Y program.
- Both an application form (to be completed by the individual seeking support) and a nomination form (to be completed by a referral agency) must be fully completed before being considered for support.
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Application process
If you are an individual seeking support:
- check out your local YMCA centre and see what programs and services it provides;
- view the list of YMCA Recreation centres that offer the YMCA Open Doors program;
- speak to the staff at a verified referral agency and tell them you are experiencing difficult circumstances and would like to access the Y's programs or services;
- download the application and nomination form from your local centre (to be completed by you and a referral agency);
- once the form is fully completed submit it to the YMCA Open Doors representative at your local centre.
If you are a referral agency:
- identify clients who would benefit from a Y program or service;
- view the list of YMCA Recreation centres that offer the YMCA Open Doors program;
- confirm that you will liaise with the Y so that your client will be supported throughout the time they are at the centre;
- download the application and nomination form from the local centre (to be completed by you and the applicant);
- you are to verify that your client would benefit from participating in a Y program or service, but due to their financial situation, is unable to do so;
- once the form is fully completed submit it to the YMCA Open Doors representative at your local centre.
Please note: approval of an application is made at our centre's discretion based on the details provided.