Open Doors at the YMCA across Victoria

The initiative aims to increase access to recreational and social opportunities offered by the YMCA across Victoria for the state's less advantaged.

"Going to the gym, enjoying fitness classes, swimming lessons, going on camp, playing team sports - these are health promoting activities that should not be the preserve of the middle classes only," explains YMCA Victoria Chief Executive Peter Burns.

Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Chief Executive Todd Harper, has congratulated the YMCA for its focus on the negative health impacts faced by people who experience socio-economic disadvantage, stating "there is strong evidence, which shows that access to health and community services can reduce health inequalities and lead to improved physical as well as mental health and wellbeing."

Burns said that even where there was no local YMCA serving a neighbourhood, community members still have the opportunity to benefit from many of "our fantastic programs" such as therapeutic camps for people with special needs, family support programs for sole parent families, and youth development programs including YMCA Youth Parliament.

Between 23rd February and 10th March, 140 local YMCA branches were mobilised for the Open Doors Appeal.

YMCA Victoria Chief Executive Peter Burns gives his opinion on the socio-economic imbalances in activity and health in the March/April 2008 issue of Australasian Leisure Management.