The South Eastern Community Connect (SECC) organisation is putting Bayside Council’s community grant to good use.

Through its Community Grants Program, Council awarded $2,000 to SECC last year to support its weekly youth drop-in program that attracts about 50 youngsters.

Melissa Dominguez explained that SECC, located at Mascot, is working towards reducing social isolation for families, seniors, and the wider community, through its innovative and engaging physical and online programs.

“The Council community grant is being used to set up a free Wednesday after-school youth drop-in service,” Melissa explains. 

At the drop-in centre, hungry youngsters can share meals together such as nachos one week and pizza the following week. Youngsters can also entertain themselves by playing table tennis, snooker games and spending time on Play Station 5, as well as taking part in arts and crafts activities.

Melissa says the drop-in program is a great opportunity to build rapport and relationships in a safe space. 

“If a young person has any kind of negative experience or challenge, we can help them navigate these difficulties together,” she added. “It’s a real upside of the program.”