Community Feed

Youth runner raises $1200

Round the Bays is one of the world’s largest fun runs and among the 30,000+ runners was awesome Youth MP Thomas Swinburn, who ran to fundraise for Youthline.
The seventeen-year-old raised a massive $1200 to help support young people across NZ, a demographic he is currently preparing to represent.
Thomas is the Maungakiekie Youth MP for Youth Parliament 2016. He was especially thrilled to run alongside his mentor: the Associate Health MP Sam Lotu-Iiga.
When asked why he was running for Youthline, he said, “I wanted to support and help young people with mental health concerns. I wanted to show solidarity with young people coming up against these sorts of problems.
“One of the reasons I chose Youthline was because I wanted to support a local community organisation that have young people at the centre of it all.
“I really enjoyed supporting an awesome cause that makes a difference in the lives of countless young people.”
Thomas has been involved in other local community activities, such as encouraging young people to enrol to vote and helping at a visually-impaired community event.
He’s excited about helping Youthline:
“I’m inspired by the work of Youthline Auckland and wanted to support them by raising money as part of my participation in Ports of Auckland: Round the Bays 2016.”

#Sport#Events#Volunteering

Swimming for a cause

Abby Armstrong of Hamilton is preparing to take part in a 22.35 inaugral swim event on the open sea between Upolu and Savai’i in Samoa--the longest open sea race in the Southern Hemisphere.
The 29-year-old swim coach is racing to raise funds and awareness for Youthline.
Her six-day-a-week training routine includes an open water swim and swimming sessions at her local pool.
“I’m training hard to attempt a world first swimming race. There are a couple of reasons why I am determined to complete this challenge. One is that it is a personal goal and the other is to raise awareness for mental health, specifically young girls.
“Not many people are aware that I was a sufferer of mental illness for many years and exercise, particularly swimming, helped me beat my issues. This Samoa swim is the start of a career to inspire and help young people cope with mental illness through exercise and nutrition. The money I raise will be donated to Youthline.”
“I used to swim competitively when I was younger but once I finished school I stopped swimming and went into a bit of a hole with depression post school,” she says. Then she began to swim again...and loves it.

She competed in the NZ Ocean Swim Series and discovered how much she loves training. This inspired her to her compete in the Taupo 10K Swim – she came in first place, which included a $500 prize.
“The money I raise through this swim, beyond the entry fee and expenses will all go to Youthline. Youthline is a youth development organization offering counselling services, information and development programmes to benefit and aid those in need, ultimately I am hoping to work with them in the near future.

“The main reason is to gain the knowledge and experience needed to inspire and enable athletes, especially children, to be the best that they can be,” she says.
“I am currently working with two top swimming clubs within my region, including some of New Zealand’s best up-and-coming swimmers, to develop dry-landtttttt strength training and injury prevention. I get great satisfaction in coaching individual athletes/swimmers that give everything they do 100%, whether it be competing in a Triathlon or in a 200 m swimming race for the first time.
“My motto is, ‘everything is life is achievable if you’re prepared to put in the hard work.’ I’m just an ordinary kiwi girl that works incredibly hard to be the best that I can be in all areas of life. I want to inspire people and prove that anything is possible with the right attitude and a little determination.”
To donate go here: http://givealittle.co.nz/cause/theaverageswimmer

#Fun stuff#Events#Volunteering

Sovereign Innovation Project at Youthline Manukau

For two days in mid-March, our community at Youthline Manukau teamed up with Lifehack and Sovereign to dream about what could be possible for the centre.
We were also joined by the League of Live Illustrators, a Wellington-based team who describe themselves as “graphic facilitators.” As we brainstormed the future of Youthline Manukau, these artists and illustrators visually documented the content and ideas.
Our super group focused on three critical areas for growth: creating a buzz at the centre, volunteer retention, and pathways to volunteering.
Over the next six months, we will be proactively using what we learned over those days to reach the goal of building a volunteer base of fifty active hub volunteers...or more!

Centre manager Mark Esekielu reported that it was fantastic to have Lifehack, Sovereign, volunteers and so many participants from our community involved. We wish to say a special thank you to everyone who participated and “stoked the fire.”

On the second day of the workshop, the team was already putting their ideas into action, which was satisfying for all involved.
Mark hopes to maintain and continue to nurture the buzz created during the two-day session.
“I’m really excited to see the project come together,” he says.

#General #Events#Volunteering

Volunteer of the Year 2015

In December, Youthline Auckland
announced Kerry Spray as the Youthline Auckland Volunteer of the Year for 2015. Kerry also won a local Community Hero award at the Kiwi Bank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Awards at the end of last year. Kerry is a dedicated volunteer on our National Helpline, based out of Central Auckland and has been a volunteer since 2013.
All solo counsellors are requested to do at least one 9pm to midnight shift per year. Of the 79 helpline shifts Kerry has completed this year, 18 of them have been at this later time, amassing 48.5 hours of his total 235.5 hours.
Since qualifying as a mentoring counsellor in March 2015, Kerry has provided over 160 hours of mentoring to helpline trainees and has gained notoriety amongst group trainees and facilitators for his flexibility and availability to provide so many mentoring opportunities.
He is also a Facilitator, Accredited Hub Mentor, and has recently joined the Triage team. He’s also completed Advanced Personal Development and Group Dynamics courses at Youthline.

#Events#Volunteering

Young leader making waves at Youthline

2016 is set to be an amazing year for Bridget McNamara who is one of nine New Zealand participants as part of the Global Leaders Development Program (formally named Ship for World Youth).
The last 18 months have been a whirlwind journey for Bridget (Biddy) who became a Helpline volunteer, a Youth Development Worker, and a registered psychologist.
Biddy will be living on a ship with 200 young leaders from all over the world. The program is a unique experience for young people to engage with a diverse group of like-minded individuals from Japan, and invited delegations from Bahrain, Brazil, India, Kenya, Oman, Peru, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the United Kingdom and of course New Zealand.
It’s a unique international youth exchange programme funded by the Government of Japan for people aged 18-30.
Participants have the chance to get involved in a range of on-board activities including seminars, sports, cultural activities and workshops.
The program includes 24 days in Japan where New Zealand participants will join 110 Japanese youth and 90 delegates from the 9 invited countries. For 12 days aboard the ship they will live and work together and make visits to the Japanese ports of Naha and Ofunato.
This is an amazing opportunity for Biddy and she will follow in the footsteps of other Youthline Youth Development Workers Ramon Narayan and Julian Barnett who have both taken this Youthline-sponsored opportunity in the past.
McNamara began her journey with Youthline when she signed up to start her training as a Helpline counsellor.
“I was studying psychology which was really impractical, so I really just wanted to get some more practical experience and had heard some really amazing things about the Youthline volunteer training, so I signed myself up.”
While going through the Helpline training, an opportunity came up at Youthline Auckland Central for a Youth Development Worker position. McNamara leapt at the opportunity to become involved with Youthline in another way.
At just 24, McNamara is making positive waves in her community and is an important member of the Youthline team.
She became a solo counsellor on the Youthline Helpline in August.
In addition to her role as a volunteer on the Helpline, and her work as a Youth Development Worker at Youthline, McNamara also recently completed her Master’s Degree, an investigation into the challenges and achievements of young working class men navigating high school. She also recently ran the Auckland Half Marathon, raising money for Youthline while squeezing in training runs.
She highly
recommends the Youthline volunteer pathway to others, calling it “an awesome opportunity to meet other people and develop.”

#Fun stuff#General #Events#Volunteering

Meet the runners: Olivia

Olivia Rütti is running the half marathon for Youthline on behalf of her local Rotary Club: Albany Rotary.
“I’m already up and running training hard, supported with encouragement from my partner in crime Nat Joy, training plans from Mike Petrina, tips and tricks from Youthline, and Rotary as a strong backbone.”
She adds, “I work with young people every day, and I am very passionate about enabling them to achieve the goals they set themselves. I want to make things possible for them, just as they have been made possible for me. I want to make a difference.”
“Youthline is a fantastic organization that supports young New Zealanders and their families, providing helplines for when things aren’t going so well, as well as youth development. Youthline makes a difference in many a young person’s life, and that’s exactly what I want to do, and what I want to support to make the world a slightly better place.”
You can support Sam, Olivia and the rest of the team at:
fundraiseonline.co.nz/TeamHelpline

#Sport#Fun stuff#Events#Volunteering

Meet the runners: Sam

Sam Mudumbai is one of 71 runners who are taking on the challenge of running the Auckland Marathon 2015 on November 1.
When asked why she decided to run this year, Sam said “it’s not why I’m running for Youthline, its why I wouldn’t. Youthline is AMAZING! Each and every person connected with it, are kind, warm and generous. They are genuinely interested in being there to support someone.”

#Fun stuff#General #Events#Volunteering

Youthline is celebrating partnerships

For over 20 years, GlaxoSmithKline have supported the delivery of our national Youth Helpline and facilitated inter-regional connection between Youthline centres, allowing us to be there in times of need for more NZ youth.
The GSK-Youthline relationship is incredibly unique in it’s consistent, ongoing nature. Research tells us that long-term, consistent support of young people has the most impact. It is tremendous to in turn receive this kind of ongoing alongside support from our longest partner. On behalf of young people in NZ, thank you so much, GSK.
Simpson Grierson celebrates a decade supporting Youthline this year.
The law firm shows its support through an annual donation, staff fundraising activities, and pro bono legal services. A specific initiative is our free text counselling service. The text message service helps young people using their medium of choice - the mobile phone. Text averages 4-5 times more traffic than Youthline’s phone service.
Simpson Grierson’s Michael Wood says:
“We all want to help build a better future for the communities we live in. Using Simpson Grierson’s expertise and resources to help people in the community is something that we are absolutely committed to. Our partnership with Youthline is something we take great pride in. It’s an organisation that provides enormous support for young people and opportunities for their personal development, across the country.”

#General #Events

Unite. Ignite. Make Change.

The Youthline National Conference took place from July 3 - 5.

Eighty staff from Youthline’s centres nationwide gathered at Youthline Manukau for a weekend of connection, learning and leadership.

The conference focused on topics that matter to young people: social issues, personal development and health.

Throughout the conference, staff were encouraged to explore the question: what is your passion?

Speakers and facilitators explored holistic health and wellbeing, cultural and sexual identity, emotional first aid, youth employment, and youth rights.

The conference was also a great opportunity for staff to explore Youthline’s new e-therapy suite, GoForward.

Special acknowledgement to GlaxoSmithKline for their ongoing support of Youthlline. For over 20 years, GSK have facilitated the delivery of our National Helpline Service and inter-regional connection, allowing Youthline to reach more NZ Youth.

#Fun stuff#Events#Volunteering

Youth Week events around the country!

Youthline ran a series of youth led events for Youth Week around the country. Here’s a wrap up of some of the highlights from around the country. This year the theme was 'We Are The Future.'

Youth Week is a national celebration and an opportunity for communities to come
together to organise and plan events for young people.

Youthline Auckland Central hosted the festival themed event dubbed ‘Youth Day Out.'

Events on the day included an inter PTE sports competition, an arts station, live bands, dance acts, karaoke, a live DJ, dance, music, and art workshops.

About 300 youth from a range of private training enterprises (PTE) from across Auckland gathered to celebrate Youth Week 2015 on Wednesday May 26.

Youth Development Worker Jason Pace says Youthline Auckland decided to run a fun day out and the Auckland Central Youth Advisory Group made a huge contribution to the planning, organisation and marketing of the event. They came up with the theme and atmosphere, poster ideas and thought about what would attract young people and the community to the event.

I would also like to thank Mt Roskill Youth Zone for allowing us to hold the event at their centre for free.

Meanwhile Youthline Manukau held an art exhibit and Zine Project for Youth Week.

Along with a team of youth workers, Youthline Southland organised a range of events in Southland. Their Youth Quiz saw 20 young people get involved in a friendly competition where they could showcase their wide range of skills and knowledge. There were some great prizes up for grabs as local groups donated generously.

#Fun stuff#Events

Youthline’s Annual Street Appeal was in May

We’d love to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful volunteers who braved the wet weather to collect vital funds for us at locations spotted all around the country. A special mention to the volunteers who joined us from Sovereign, and to Domino’s pizza for the feed.

#Fun stuff#Events#Volunteering

Upcoming event!

ASB Auckland Marathon: by joining the Youthline team, we will support you with expert training, nutrition and fundraising advice. Plus, there will be a Q&A website, help from a local sports clinic, team runs and get-togethers.
On the day you will run in a Youthline t-shirt, have support from Youthline’s cheer and drum beat team, and have an after race function at Victoria Park with food and massages.
Most importantly - we’ll have heaps of fun! If you want to join, register and set up a fundraising page or email events@youthline.co.nz, today!

#Sport#Events#Volunteering

Cantabrian volunteers are expanding their skills

Youthline Christchurch volunteers headed to Auckland on July 3 for the Youthline National Conference. The conference will focus on topics that matter to young people: social issues, personal development and health.
National Volunteer Week is in full swing, and Youthline is very grateful to its volunteers who play an essential role in ensuring Youthline can support the thousands of young people who reach out each year.
Youthline provides all volunteers with ongoing training, so that they are equipped to support the community – on the Helpline, through projects, and in their own families.
The Youthline National Youth Collective (NYC) has planned and organised the conference for their fellow volunteers. NYC is a group of young leaders from across Aotearoa who provide input to and lead projects, services or initiatives involving young people.
Youthline National Spokesperson Stephen Bell says youth participation is vital if Youthline is to stay relevant with young people.
“Youth Advisory groups are youth development in action and we are passionate about ensuring young people have a voice and feel heard when it comes to decision making within their own communities.”
One of the NYC members is 22 year old student Alana Mulvena from Christchurch. Youthline caught up with Alana about her experience as a volunteer:
What do you like about volunteering?
I am passionate about helping young people to reach their potential, which is something that I have always been interested in. I also study social work and psychology so it’s great experience and relevant to what I study!
What do you like about Youthline?
I like what Youthline stands for: youth development and ensuring everyone has a voice and is heard.
I enjoyed being involved with organising the Youthline National Conference. We decided on the topics and themes. The topics need to be relevant so I thought about what people at uni are talking about, and stuff that I have experienced myself.
What else do you get involved with in the community?
Not at the moment as my study and work takes up all of my time!
Youthline wouldn’t be able to reach as many youth without the ongoing support of GlaxoSmithKline. For over 20 years, GSK has facilitated the delivery of our National Helpline Service and inter-regional connection.

#Events#Volunteering #Fun stuff

Bi-culturalism and Diversity celebrated

Youthline prides itself as an organisation that celebrates bi-culturalism and diversity and follows through on this with an annual visit as an entire organisation to Princess Te Puea Marae.
This year we marked the 20th Anniversary of our Youthline whanau visiting the Te Puea Marae in Mangere.
Te Puea Marae is a special place for us and is the memorial Marae for Princess Te Puea Herangi, who was a Māori leader who was a renowned supporter of young people.
The activities and discussions during the visit take us back to our roots and remind attendees about the importance of Connection, Community and Diversity to the work we do. It’s a chance for the entire Youthline whanau to come together and build cultural competency through learning, reflection, sharing, kai, waiata and fun.
Connection is about the connections we make with others in our lives, in social situations, and in our work with Youthline.
Community – is about a celebration and strengthening of all the communities we take part in – be they family, work, religious, neighborhood, or the community of Aotearoa.
Diversity – is about the wide range of life experiences, situations and values that make us both different and similar. We will take the opportunity to examine and widen our world-views. This is the third stage of Youthline’s volunteer training to work with young people. Our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation and we wouldn’t be able to do the work we do without them.
Our annual visit to Te Puea Marae is our chance as an organisation to ground ourselves in the work we do and reflect on the year that’s been.
For some it may be a space to reflect on where you have come from, your tunpuna (ancestors); the taonga (treasures) they have given you and how you can use these to support taiohi (young people).
We live in a bi-cultural country where many cultures who New Zealand home can be understood as Tangata Whenua (people of the land) and Tauiwi (all other cultures).
Te Ara Taiohi or bi-cultural footsteps explores bi-culturalism through the Marae Wananga or live in weekend at Te Puea Marae in Mangere.

#Fun stuff#General #Events#Volunteering

Youth Homelessness Matters Day!

Could you spot a homeless person in this lineup? #youthhomelessmatters

Young people struggling with homelessness face big challenges. But with support from the community, we can help young people and make youth homelessness a thing of the past in NZ.

Here’s how you can make a difference for our homeless youth:

Start a conversation about youth homelessness in NZ. Share these stories and let people know the challenges young people face.

Ask your workplace if they could take a young person on-board.

If you’re a landlord, keep an open mind when you consider who to let your rentals to.

Stop and have a chat with a young person who is rough sleeping. You can let them know that they are always welcome to give Youthline a call, or to pop into Lifewise’s Merge Café on K road.

Donate to Youthline and Lifewise and help end youth homelessness.

#General #Events#Education