Unemployment Y.M.C.A. worry

Press, 21 October 1980, Page 27

Unemployment Y.M.C.A. worry

Unemployment . among school-leavers was a main topic at the South Island area conference of the Y. M. C,A ~ held in Christchurch at the weekend.

Delegates from seven areas heard that a herb farm had been established at Motueka, and' a drop-in centre in Invercargill, as part of the fight against unemployment. i

Other means of helping the unemployed had been discussed and the possibility of letting them use recreational facilities at a reduced rate had been raised, said Mr R. H. French, executive director of the Y.M.C.A. in Christchurch,

The drop-in centre , had

been open four weeks and was a great success. Staff tried to find jobs for callers at the centre who, in return, did voluntary work round the Y.M.C.A., said Mr French.

Funding was another issue which caused concern because of the high inflation rate and economic recession, he said. The conference had resolved to study its finances more closely to cut costs, and to try to build more support among the public. The conference also heard that students will again be employed to help with Y.M.C.A. camping activities as part of the Government’s stydent community service programme.