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    YMCA Victoria helps people experiencing disadvantage by subsidising the costs of our programs and services.

    YMCA offers a great range of programs and services for people of all ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds and lifestyles. Unfortunately not all people can afford to participate. YMCA Open Doors is in an initiative that provides full or partially subsidised access to YMCA programs or services for people in need.

    It is part of our mission to provide equal access to health and wellness services to all members of the community, and help everyone lead healthier and happier lives.

    If you or someone you know are experiencing financial difficulties but would like to access the our services, subsidies of 80-100% are available through YMCA Open Doors.

    How to access YMCA Open Doors

    Review the details below to learn about who can apply, the eligibility criteria, and the application process.

    • Who can access Open Doors?

      Open Doors can help people of all ages access Y programs and services when cost is a barrier.

      Support is delivered locally, so it’s best to contact your nearest participating centre and speak with our team about applying.

      View our list of participating centres

      Applicants must be living locally to a YMCA or attending a school or service in the area. They must also be nominated by a referral agency to assess the individual's eligibility. Referral agencies include:

      • Employment services
      • Support groups
      • Welfare organisations
    • Support and eligibility
      • All applications must be nominated by a referral agency to assess eligibility for subsidised access. 
      • Eligibility and the level of support available are assessed locally by each participating centre. 
      • Support may vary depending on the programs offered at your local centre, available funding and individual circumstances.
      • Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult while attending any Y program.
    • Application process

      For individuals and families

      1. Find a program or service at your local centre that you feel would benefit you.
      2. Speak to the staff at a verified referral agency and tell them that you are experiencing difficult circumstances and would like to access YMCA programs or services.
      3. Visit your local participating centre and speak with a team member about Open Doors.
      4. Our team will speak with you about the support you need, the programs available at the centre and the next steps to access Open Doors.

      For community organisations and support workers

      1. Identify clients who may benefit from accessing a Y program or service.
      2. Confirm that you will liaise with the YMCA so that your client will be supported throughout the time they are with the YMCA.
      3. Verify that your client would benefit from participating in a YMCA program or service but due to their financial situation is unable to do so.

      Please note: approval of an application is made at our centre's discretion based on the details provided.

      YMCA Open Doors forms:

      • Speak to your local YMCA centre to begin your application process.
      • The nomination and application form is available to download
      • The nomination form must be completed by a referral agency to verify that the applicant is unable to pay but would benefit greatly from participating in a YMCA program or service.
      • The application form must be completed by the individual seeking support.
      • Both of these forms need to be completed and submitted to the YMCA Open Doors representative at your local centre.

      Both of these forms need to be completed and submitted to the YMCA Open Doors representative at your local centre.

    Learn more about The Y Discovery Camps