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Youth Centre open with support offer

AUBURN Small Community Organisation Network’s Cen Amores with Auburn Youth Centre’s Gokhan Singec and Robin Benz on Friday after filling grocery bags at the centre for delivery to local families.

AFTER closing the centre and cafe in the lockdown, Auburn Youth Centre (AYC) remained open ‘remotely’ but soon realised how much the community was suffering.

AYC Executive Officer Dean de Haas said it was heartbreaking to hear people could not afford to feed and clothe their families so he opened the centre’s kitchen as a collection and delivery point for free grocery packs.
“Each week we have been providing up to 70 fresh food packages to families from our community,” he said.
“Our cafe has just reopened too and we are providing $2 meals everyday to complement our normal cafe menu; it’s open from midday to 6pm.
“AYC is continuing to help young people aged 12 to 24 and their families with the provision of grocery packs and other essential items.”
Over the next two months, with the support of the NSW Government, AYC will also be able to provide assistance to meet urgent needs like clothing, school equipment, internet plans and household items.
They can also link families to other support services for assistance with bills and rental arrears.
“Covid has seriously impacted young peoples’ lives and we are committed to helping them as best we can,” Dean said.
Their free recreational activities are also back up and running and available to all young people over 12.
The centre’s counselling service and mentoring programs are a great way to overcome family relationship issues arising out of Covid and youth can also get help with fines and finding employment.
For further info, call 9646 2122.