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Boost for the Youth of Southland

February, 2013

 

Youthline Southland has recently welcomed on board a Youth Development Worker, 26 year old Gemma Ball, to help build and support the volunteer base and take calls and texts that come through to the National helpline.

“Growing up in Southland, I understand the community and have a passion for young people and seeing them develop, achieve their goals and give something back to the community”, says Gemma, who has a Social Work degree from Massey University.

Youthline Southland has been providing support for young people and their families for nearly four decades and Gemma says she’s looking forward to building on that solid foundation.

“Southland is a strong, caring community, so I’m hoping they’ll be plenty of people willing to support our young people by volunteering on the helpline, which fields over 40,000 calls and manages over 350,000 text contacts each year”.

Youthline Auckland CEO and National Coordinator, Stephen Bell says Gemma’s appointment will provide a much needed boost to the area.

“Without a community of volunteers Youthline becomes “just” another service provider and there is a danger that we lose the core DNA of the organisation which is equipping the community to be a part of the solution not just recipients of services,” he says.

“As with all small organisations, Youthline Southland faces its challenges, however our firm local roots and supportive community mean we can look forward to a positive future, where the young people of Southland are supported to do well”, adds Bell.

For information on volunteering for Youthline Southland please click here: http://www.youthline.co.nz/contact-us/youthline-centres/263-youthline-southland.html

 

A special thank you to the following major funding partners for their support of our work in the Southland Community: Lottery Community, Southern Trust, Southland District Council, Community Trust of Southland and ILT Foundation.

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