Bega PCYC, and friends, prepare isolation activity packs for Far South Coast youth

The bags are crammed full of fun bit and pieces to keep them occupied, including stationery packs, colouring books and bubble wands for primary aged children, sketch pads and headphones for secondary, magazines, lunch bags, snacks and sweets - "you gotta have them" - and the pièce de résistance "funky socks for everyone" enthused NSW Police youth case manager Sarah Bancroft.

There are also toiletry kits that were leftover bushfire appeal donations now finding a good home.

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Senior Constable Bancroft said the initial idea was to prepare 100 activity packs for vulnerable youth in the region. However, the idea had such a great response there are now 200 bags making their way around the Far South Coast - 100 for primary aged children and 100 secondary.

Final touches were being made last Friday before PCYC would begin distributing them. As well as giving them something fun to do, it also gives the youth case managers an opportunity to check in with vulnerable youth to make sure all was well during the coronavirus-enforced isolation period.

"It took three weeks to get this project together," Senior Constable Bancroft said.

"We've had such great support. So many donated either products to include, or cash.

"My whole program has been shut down for now of course, so this is a great idea to keep in contact and check on everyone's welfare."

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Senior Constable Bancroft thanked everyone who supported the activity pack project, which included South Coast Police District, Pambula Rotary Club, Bega Lions Club, Katungul Aboriginal Medical Health Service, Campbell Page, Red Cross, Bega Valley Shire Council, Mission Australia, Headspace Bega, Coles Bega, Woolworths Bega and Big W Bega.

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A note to the recipients is also included in the bags. It reads, in part: "We wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that we are thinking of you all during these challenging times and we hope you are hanging in there. If you are struggling and need help we are all here ready to help you, so please reach out. Keep calm, remember to get some exercise and stay active and most of all remember to look after yourself and each other."