It’s the often forget weapon against depression but a new exercise referral program is out to provide a lifeline for Shoalhaven youth.
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After a Shoalhaven PCYC study completed earlier this year found 74 per cent of adolescents felt more confident after participating PCYC fitness classes for just one month, Shoalhaven medical students have raised funds for a referral pathway for local family doctors and their young patients.
The referral program is open to all young people between 12 and 24 and allows doctors to refer their patients to the PCYC where they will receive a free membership and fitness classes.
Final year medical student at the University of Wollongong (UOW), Kevin Rourke, along with PCYC manager Sam Kettlewell, is behind the program.
“Everyone’s GP has many referral options that Medicare will fund, for example, a patient with diabetes can see a dietician or podiatrist for free but this referral pathway is unique in that is is funded entirely by the Shoalhaven community to help Shoalhaven youth,” he said.
“This is an example of a community taking a proactive approach towards investing in the adolescent health of the Shoalhaven region.
“Exercise has been proven to be as effective as medication in early prevention for mild depression, so why not link it as a primary source for Shoalhaven youth.
- -Kevin Rourke, final year medical student at the University of Wollongong
“While community service is not a mandatory requirement of doctors, I believe there is a lot of appreciation for GPs that become involved with their community.”
With many young people seeking a mental health plan care from their local GP, Mr Rourke said it makes sense to include an exercise plan.
“Exercise has been proven to be as effective as medication in early prevention for mild depression, so why not link it as a primary source for Shoalhaven youth,” he said.
“This is an early intervention, you can start right away and it’s safe, healthy and it works.”
Doctors can refer any patient whose health could be improved in any way, either physically or mentally. All staff at Shoalhaven PCYC are qualified youth workers and councillors and also are on hand to help young people with life skills and direction.
The program includes five sessions ranging from beginners to advanced boxing, sparring, archery, fitness activities, all suited to individual needs.
First year medical students from UOW, Jim Weston and Felicity Rourke are among the 32 Shoalhaven medical students who visit the region each year to learn medicine and are currently involved in fundraising for the referral pathway.
“We’re engaging with other students to help spread the word and we’ll have plenty more fundraising barbecues to do,” Mr Weston said.
The research presentation into the referral pathway was shared with around 12 Shoalhaven doctors recently and Mr Rourke said it received a positive response. It will be officially launched at the Shoalhaven Medical Association Conference in October and will run for six months before being reviewed.
