Enhancing the wellbeing
of young people in the
Blue Mountains

“It has changed him, he is so much happier”

Regarding the facilitators: “We LOVED the photos and videos compiled each week. They were so encouraging, supportive and communicative. They met students where they were at and celebrated each one with kindness and warmth. Amazing humans!

Mary missed out on lessons [at school]. However, the benefits of the program and the incredible opportunity she was given to participate, far outweighed this.

I think the people running the program are just fantastic. Pat only had good things to say about the instructors. There was always really good communication from Kate, and the way that the program was flexible when it needed to be was great, as well as listening to what the kids wanted.

Adam has thoroughly enjoyed his time with Outdoor Explore. Every week he was excited about the prospect of doing something adventurous, and he always had a positive experience each time. Adam has been able to strengthen his friendships and also grow his friend group because of OE which is so very important for anyone, but especially a young person. The activities challenged him at times, but because of this his confidence improved as he became more self aware of his abilities. The risks were always well managed, though still presented a healthy amount of danger which is beneficial in what some may say is a risk averse society. Learning how to manage danger is such an important skill to learn, and OE does this so well. Adam was really stoked when he got to lead the Mtb group ride, it was great that he was able to realise his ability to lead. The inherent physical nature of the program was beneficial in that this highlighted the importance of staying healthy and active, and the great value there is in outdoor activities. Pat always felt like he was a part of the group, valued and appreciated. In summary, the program reinforced with Pat just how much the outdoors has to offer, in terms of fun, adventure, and mateship.

Melissa grew in confidence to participate in activities outside of her comfort zone. She enjoyed the success she had by achieving the set goals she made for herself eg navigating over the rock face when rock climbing. Lucy enjoyed the program and she looked forward to going each week which has a positive effect on everything else

…has built an understanding around working within a team, helped with a set routine he enjoyed and built trusted friendships to where he engages with these friends since after the program exploring the bush walks in the mountains

My daughter had struggled with school, socially, in her primary years, and transitioning in to the high school years proved more daunting. Like many kids, she was subjected to bullying, which saw her withdraw socially. I am so grateful for the support and service that MYST provides to my child. The staff are warm and welcoming, and there always seems like there’s interesting activities for the kids to get creative with. I view MYST as a crucial service to our young people, and invaluable in our community, where there are few too little resources for mental health support. I would love to see more funding to provide more centres in the future.

I was craving to be a part of something and even though it was the hardest time in my life I still have the finest memories and funniest moments. I’m unsure who or what I’d be without MYST. Its changed my whole trajectory in life, I learned how to handle myself and situations, along with controlling a situation and what’s right and wrong.