Here’s Y you should have fun

YOUNG Tasmanians are being encouraged to get up and active these school holidays to boost their mental health.

The Hobart YMCA has devised a day of activity to boost mental wellbeing during Mental Health Week.

In a mini-Olympics format, the Y-Games are a day of fun for children aged 10-12 and their parent or guardian.

They are the brainchild of Dylan Nester, a social work student who has been working at the YMCA since January.

Mr Nester said there was plenty of research to show that mental health improved through activity, and it was important young people didn’t spend all their school holidays inside on a screen.

“This generation is really into social media, and they can be really sedentary,” he said.

“But they should be out there having fun, being social and active.”

Mr Nester said 10-12 was a good age to start talking about mental health issues with children, before the transition to high school.

“I think it’s important we talk about mental health at a reasonable age, so they know there are services to help them if they are feeling low,” he said.

Mr Nester said he had created the Y-Games based on research that showed mental health and resilience were boosted through teamwork, socialising and trying new things.

“Some of these games might push them out of their comfort zone, but they’ll be fun,” he said.

Hobart YMCA chief executive Melissa Carlton said it was the first ever Y-Games, but it could be the first of many.

“We’re trying it for the first time, based on research about mental health,” she said.

The Y-Games will see children and parents participate together in pickleball, table tennis, boccia, handball, soccer and dodgeball.

Each child must have a parent participating with them at the event and a light lunch will be provided.

The event will be held on Friday from 11am. The Y-Games are free, but bookings are required through