25 March 2020

From Wednesday 25th March at midnight, in accordance with the government’s instructions on the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 nationwide lockdown, all YMCA South & Mid Canterbury sites will be closed, with all staff working remotely from home.
As a consequence, all student/participant/client face to face engagement in our various programmes and services will cease throughout this self-isolation/closedown period. YMCA staff will endeavor to engage remotely with students/participants/clients to ensure regular relationship contact is maintained, teaching and learning continues, and ongoing support and advice is provided.
During this time, we will all experience a mix of emotions, including social isolation. So, remember to be kind to yourself, your families, friends and to others.

Remember these words –

‘When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what’s happening, that’s where your power is!’
If you require information through this time you can send your query through the website www.ymcasc.org.nz. One of our team will be in touch.
Also, if things are getting tough and you need to talk to someone, below are some key contacts;

Straight Up Answers When Life Sucks
thelowdown.co.nz                                         Freephone 24/7 – 0800 111 757 OR Text 5626
COVID-19 – Healthline                                 0800 358 5453
Drug & Alcohol Helpline                              0800 787 797
Mental Health Crisis                                     0800 277 997
Trained Counselor                                         Freephone or text 1737
Physical Health                                              0800 611 116
Arowhenua Whanau Services                      03 615 5180
Centrecare Counselling Waimate             Phone consultations available. Call 03 689 8337 or 0800 80 22 22 to make an appointment.

We will continue to provide updates as things change throughout the upcoming weeks.

Ngā manaakitanga

Keith Shaw
General Manager

19 March 2020

Letter to Students/Participants/Parents/Caregivers/Visitors