Our first speaker on Tuesday was Anastasia Potter Youthline's GM of fundraising and marketing at Youthline.

Youthline was a charity partner with our club of the Auckland Design Garden last year with the donation from the proceeds significantly helping their helpline.

Anastasia highlighted the importance of community organizations like Rotary, which have supported Youthline for years. Youthline is celebrating its 55th anniversary, marking over half a century of service to young people.

Youthline's core service is the National Helpline, which is now a 24/7 free service available anywhere in New Zealand.  The helpline has evolved from a landline service to primarily messaging (text, email, web chat), reflecting how young people communicate. ◦ Youthline is a "With Youth for Youth" organization, meaning they listen to and meet the needs of young people.

 

The helpline is seeing an increase in the severity of issues, indicating a worsening youth mental health crisis.

Youthline has experienced its busiest January ever, helping over 14,000 young people annually.  A third of all contacts now involve high-risk incidents such as self-harm, abuse, or suicide.  The helpline now handles two interventions a day, often involving serious situations like suicide attempts. Due to the increased severity and volume of cases, Youthline had to transition from a volunteer-run service to one with paid clinical staff and shift support workers.

 

Despite the increase in demand Youthline is facing financial headwinds.  Youthline faced a 42% cut in traditional funding sources last year, including government parts and grants. Only a fifth of the helpline's operating costs are covered by government funding, with the rest relying on fundraising.
The total operating costs for the helpline this year are $5.3 million, with $4.1 million needed from fundraising. Anastasia emphasized the need for ongoing sources of funding to ensure the helpline can plan for the future and not live day by day.

 

To show the impact of Youthline  Anastasia shared a story about Simone, a young person who contacted the helpline during a difficult time.  Simone was dealing with family issues and bullying at school, which led to suicidal thoughts. Through Youthline, Simone received the help she needed and has the health and resources to continue on with her life.  Simone credits Youthline with saving her life, as she had plans to end it but changed her mind after contacting the helpline.

Anastasia concluded by expressing gratitude for the Rotary community's ongoing support, which enables Youthline to help young people like Simone. Youthline hopes to continue their partnership with the community to support more young people in need. Anastasia concluded with a heartfelt thank you to the supporters for their continued efforts and contributions.

 

 

 

 

Chrissi spoke to us about her involvement in the Trade Academy at One Tree Hill College, emphasizing the importance of working with decile one to decile five schools.

 

The mentoring program, which Chrissi is a part, helps young people who lack guidance and opportunities.  Each mentor spends a couple of hours a week with two students, building a strong relationship over the year. 

 

Chrissi's role with RAP involves interviewing Year 12 students to understand their interests and career aspirations and to identify pathways for them during the year.

Chrissi explained the process of helping students explore different trades and the impact of guest speakers from the industry at classes or supervising practical work. The program aims to provide students with practical experience and exposure to various trade industries.  Chrissi shared a story about a student who was sick but still attended work experience, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities. The program encourages students to take responsibility and make the most of their experiences.

 

Chrissi spoke of the challenges of securing work placements for students, often due to economic conditions. One company expressed a strong interest in hiring students but couldn't take them on due to workload. The program aims to help students understand the value of apprenticeships and further study in trade fields.  Chrissi noted efforts to secure scholarships and financial assistance for students who need it.

 

An important feature of the program is the Kainga Ora Project and Community Support that it has generated.

This project was one where year 13 students worked on a relocated (to One Tree Hill College) house from demolition to completion, gaining practical experience in many aspects of trade life.  Various trade industries supported the project by providing free services and equipment.  The house is to be auctioned, and the project has garnered significant media coverage and high-lighting the success of the Trade Academy. Ex-students who worked on the house were involved in installing triple-glazed windows, a significant achievement for them. 

 

The trade academy impacts not only the student but also their families and the wider community.  There is a significant ripple effect. The program helps young people develop a healthy mindset and take responsibility for their futures. The students learn the value of teamwork and coopperation. The Trade Academy provides students with essential tools and equipment, ensuring they are well-prepared for their placements.

 

The academy is wider than trade training.  On top of that the Penrose Rotary assists with helping students get drivers licences - a requirement for apprenticeships.

The program relies on warm contacts and community support to secure work placements and apprenticeships for students. The program administration is also exploring additional avenues to provide students with more opportunities for work placements and further training.
Chrissi encourages community members to contact herself or other organizers to offer work placements or mentorship opportunities.

 

Chrissi commented, in relation to a question about attendance statistics of the Trade Academy participants, that the 25 students in the Trade Academy move as a group, attend classes together and have become a cohesive unit. The program instills a sense of responsibility and opportunity in students, leading to high attendance and participation rates. This is supported by good tutoring and mentoring which aids in fostering self-responsibility and motivation in young people. 
 

Footnote

Chrissi asks if any members have contacts in the auto mechanics industry. RAP has 2 students interested in the field.

 

 

Another reminder of Circus Quirkus, our major fund raiser for the year.  It is on Kings' birthday weekend so put the event into your diary now.