A Shared Vision for Youth

YouthNet Aotearoa New Zealand

Working Together

In 2002 a number of New Zealand organisations agreed to combine their efforts for the sake of the improved wellbeing of New Zealand youth. The combined operation and all their philanthropic activity will take place under the banner of:

YouthNet Aotearoa New Zealand®

Community Perspective

YouthNet Aotearoa New Zealand is a comprehensive New Zealand youth initiative encompassing a range of activities aimed at,

creating safer communities for young people
in a society where they are valued, nurtured
and helped to reach their goals.

It is an association of philanthropic charities and like-minded community groups and supporters.

Response to Community Needs

YouthNet Aotearoa New Zealand, through its community partnerships, has extensive contact with homes and families throughout the whole country and, as its functions have become known and trusted, so the calls for help have increased. This steady stream has enabled us to identify particular emphases requiring our attention.

As a result of our consultation with professional organisations, the project has been able to move forward in its determination to help young people. In 2002, an association was formed with Therapeutic Storytelling Intervention International, pioneered in New Zealand by Ron Phillips, a family therapist at Middlemore Hospital's Campbell Lodge. Through this association, the parties seek to reduce the incidence of young people suffering from addictions, emotional disorders and other unhealthy tendencies, which could endanger individuals as well as the wider community.

YouthNet Aotearoa New Zealand works towards mobilising community goodwill through a range of associations with local community, professional and Government groups aiming at bringing practical help within the reach of all who need it.

A number of distinguished organisations have assisted in the development of programmes and resources for young people, and we will continue to work collaboratively to enhance the safety and wellbeing of our youth.

A Three-Point Plan

YouthNet Aotearoa New Zealand seeks to develop positive strategies to help prevent violence in all its forms by:

1. Educating young people in the knowledge and practice of personal wellbeing / hauora.
2. Empowering young people with skills of resilience to deal effectively with potential threats to wellbeing / hauora, e.g.:
• stress
• grief
• alienation
• prejudice
3. Supporting individuals who need specialist services as well as those who provide them to reduce:
   • bullying, abuse, self-harm or suicide
   • addictions
   • mental illness

Administration

YouthNet Aotearoa New Zealand has a National Co-ordinator based at Wellington who reports to YouthNet International Foundation which administers the joint venture on behalf of the "Associates In The Vision".

Associates In The Vision