Standing Strong is a health and wellness club that has been designed to help children stand strong. Local resident Tracey Rylewski has recently launched the club to the community, which is aimed at girls aged 5 to 17 years, with boys’ groups opening soon.

“Standing Strong provides evidence-based programs designed to support and empower children to build confidence, self-esteem, resilience and connection through holistic and preventative approaches to health and wellbeing. The programs have been developed utilising three core components of Strong Body- Movement, Strong Mind- Mindset and Strong Heart- Mindfulness” explained Tracey to the Glenmore Gazette.

Tracey believes that the skills that children learn at Standing Strong are important for the health and well being of their everyday lives.

“Today more than ever, parents are searching for ways to support the physical and mental health needs of their children. The concerns of parents are supported by the results found in the latest Mission Australia Youth Survey which showed mental health to be the most important issue young people are facing. The study of over 25,000 children showed stress, school and study problems, mental health and body image to be the top four personal concerns for children in Australia (Mission Australia Youth Survey Report 2019)” she stated.

These health issues are being tackled head on by Standing Strong, the nation’s first health and wellness club dedicated to supporting the physical and mental health and wellbeing needs of children. After launching their first programs in 2013, Standing Strong is committed to supporting local children and families in the Penrith area.

“After listening to Kim Smith (Founder of Standing Strong) speak about her experiences and programs, I was instantly drawn to her and felt personally connected to everything she was saying. I knew then that I wanted to create a similar space for young people in my local area. Standing Strong is everything I needed when I was a young girl, and the

Standing Strong values align with my own. The non-clinical, child-centred approach is so important when working with young people. That coupled with my love of connecting with and empowering young people is why I became the

Licensee for the Penrith area” Tracey reflected.

For more information about Standing Strong, visit www.standingstrongpenrith.com.au.