Community Feed

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

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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.”

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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

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Youthline did us proud for PRIDE!

Youthline joined thousands of revelers to celebrate Pride at the Auckland Pride Parade on February 21st.

Youthline Pride Creative Director, Dayna Cooper, also known as the Youthline Support Centre Team Leader, said Youthline thoroughly enjoyed tackling the Gods and Monsters theme this year.

"We actively support the Rainbow Community in Aotearoa in our work and through partnerships - young people, friends and families. It feels so good to celebrate with the community."

The Pride festival organiser had a space at the Youthline Auckland Central Centre in the lead up to the parade, and the Centre was also home to the 45+ floats which made their way down Ponsonby Road. While everyone was getting ready for the parade to begin we had a sausage sizzle for participants and passers-by.

Youthline received really positive feedback about our participation in the parade, which is awesome. Onlookers enjoyed our cool float, which consisted of angels and devils to represent the way inner demons can create turmoil for the young people that we work alongside. There was heaps of cheering from the crowd on the night, as well as lots of congratulations from supporters following the event.

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Street Appeal

Youthline is on the hunt for a bunch of awesome volunteers to collect for us during this year’s Annual Street Appeal on the 22nd and 23rd of May. We’re looking for volunteers to collect for us at locations all around Auckland.

If you’d like more information, please email events@youthline.co.nz - thanks!

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Youth participation key to good decision making

Youth development organisation Youthline says it is a priority for communities to facilitate meaningful youth participation.

This was one of the driving forces behind a meeting of Youthline’s National Youth Advisory Group, recently renamed the National Youth Collective, (NYC) late last month. A Youth Advisory Group (YAG) is a group of young people who are supported with good training and equipped to provide input and undertake tasks, or who lead projects and campaigns for organisations, services, or initiatives related to youth. It is about giving young people an opportunity to participate meaningfully in things that affect them and helping organisations and services to get it right when working with youth.

Click on the photo for more.

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#HappyNZ

We're Making It More Legit - Join the Core Team!
Become a HappyNZ Samurai!
With a team we believe we can grow this campaign and movement to a whole new level - creating/hosting events, spreading and reminding people to smile with the hashtag ‪#‎HappyNZ‬!
We'll meet once every 2 weeks (online/offline) - where we can talk about your ideas and put them to action! Come onboard and volunteer with us!

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GGD AKL

Auckland Girl Geek Dinner

15 October 2014

Join us to hear speakers Victoria Crone (Xero), Jodi Mitchell (Simpl Group), Katrina Clokie (Assurity) and Kelly Ann McKercher (OptimalExperience).

Proudly sponsored by Microsoft and Catalyst.

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ID Dance Crew @ Worship Experience II in Auckland

Fresh off their Northland LIVEUNDEFEATED hip hop tour, ID Dance Crew are ready to tear up the stage at Worship Experience II in Auckland on July 5th. Check out the event featuring Grammy award winner Lecrae:

http://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2014/jul/worship-experience-ii.

Check out the UNDEFEATED project here: http://www.undefeated.co.nz/

These world class artists are spreading a message of hope through performance art, and reminding us all its okay to lean on mates when things get tough.

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