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We’ve all seen the literature around minimising children’s ‘screen time’, but many young Kiwis are still far exceeding the recommended ‘no more than two hours a day’ limit! The school holidays are especially challenging, with long days that drag on and on and televisions, computers and game consoles at the ready. 

Find out how YMCA teamed up with the Ministry of Social Development to deliver Breakaway, a fully funded programme that both encourages and provides physical activity.

As a nation surrounded by water, swimming and aquatic fun are virtually a kiwi rite of passage. At YMCA Auckland, we believe that anyone can swim, and for the last two years Helen Vann has been on a mission to prove it.

Find out how YMCA is making sure that people of all abilities have the chance to enjoy the water.

YMCA Auckland aims to build stronger kids and stronger communities, so when Onehunga High School asked for help training their rugby teams, the organisation was more than happy to answer the call.

Find out how YMCA is supporting one of our local high schools and the youth in our community.

On the 27^th of July, the Raise up crew from YMCA Onehunga hosted CommUnity Kai, a fantastic event when local families could come along for a feed at a makeshift community soup kitchen.

Find out how Raise Up is warming the tummies of local community members.

For a lot of people, even the idea of getting up at 5.30 in the morning is rather draining. For Ethan Elder-Bickers, however, an 11-year-old boy from Hamilton, it’s become a way of life for two mornings each week.

What makes Ethan’s story even more impressive is that before he does this, Ethan has to put metal splints on his legs to help them work. This is something that he does every morning because Ethan has Muscular Dystrophy.

Find out how much of a difference YMCA is making in the life of an 11 year old boy. 

YMCA Hamilton is dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. This vision is at the heart of the work being done through their Melville After School Care programme.

It wasn't commercially viable to run an after school care programme at Melville Primary School, but that doesn't change the need in the community.

Find out how YMCA Hamilton is helping kids in the Melville Community.

According to Statistics New Zealand, sixty-five percent of Kiwis live near the coast, and New Zealand has 15,000 kilometres of it.  Sadly, Drownbase and Water Safe New Zealand report that as of 2 February, nineteen people have drowned already this year, indicating that the need for education around water and our coastlines is greater than ever.

In a bid to reduce drowning rates, find out how YMCA has partnered with Coastguard Boating Education to deliver education to 165 youngsters.

New Zealand Red Cross Community Trainer, Gayle Dupa, says, “While New Zealand Red Cross won’t say “do” or “don’t” to these decisions, we believe it is critical to provide the information to assist young people to make informed choices about their alcohol and other drug use – and offer some hands-on ways to help them out of trouble.”

Find out how YMCA and Red Cross are working together to empower young people in our communities to be safe.

June kicked off with Autism Awareness Week, which was geared towards raising funds for the valuable work that Autism New Zealand do within the community.

Find out how YMCA has been working with Dance Therapy New Zealand to work with kids on the spectrum  of autism.