Engage Aotearoa receives this e-mail update because we are a friend of YouthworX and we share it here with their permission. Contact them to sign up for this excellent monthly update direct to your own inbox – it’s aimed at youth, parents and youth-workers, but there are excellent resources, services and items of news here that will be of interest to everyone interested in mental health.

YouthworX Network Meeting

Our network meeting on the topic of Flourishing Youth Mental Health:  Raising Awareness and Acceptance of Difference was a great success, with approximately 50 people attending.  Should you wish to be part of a steering committee to advance the establishment of a youth programme and respite facility here on the North Shore, please let me know.  I will be scheduling a meeting for early in the New Year.

Conferences/Workshops/Huis

2012 ReGeneration National Convention

ReGeneration is holding their national convention.  Be part of an intergenerational gathering of people working to create positive change in their schools, families, communities, work places and the places that we live.

• Date: Thursday 9 February-Saturday 11 February 2012
• Venue: Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna
• More info: lani@regeneration.org.nz/021 474 496 or billy@regeneration.org.nz/021 688 770

Parenting Courses for Parents of all Cultures

1. The First 3 Years (9 weeks): Begins Tuesday 7^th February 2012.  Based on the book “Dance with Me in the Heart” by Pennie Brownlee, Brainwave Trust Material and the S.K.I.P. (Strategies with Kids Information for parents) 6 Characteristics of Effective Discipline. Suitable for parents of children Birth to 3 years.
2. Effective Discipline of Our Tamariki/ Children (10 weeks): Begins Wednesday 1^st February 2012.  Based on the S.K.I.P. (Strategies with Kids Information for parents) 6 Characteristics of Effective Discipline.  Suitable for parents of children 4 to 14 years.
3. Connecting with Our Children by using the 5 Languages of Aroha (4 weeks): Begins Thursday 15^th March 2012.  Based on The first S.K.I.P. (Strategies with Kids Information for parents) Principle or Characteristic of Effective Discipline and The book “The Five Love Languages of Children” by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell.  Most suitable for parents of children 4 to 14 years.  Also helpful for adult relationships.

• Course cost: $35.00.  You can enrol on line www.whanaumarama-parenting.co.nz.
• Venue: Whānau Marama  212 Archers Road, Glenfield (under Glenfield Tax Accountants)
• For further information Phone Tamati Ihaka 4410208 or Elizabeth Cameron on 4410209 or TXT 0274 932273

ADHB Suicide Prevention Symposium – “Best Practice Guidelines on Suicide Prevention”

The symposium is being held as follows:

• Crowne Plaza
• 128 Albert St, Auckland City
• Friday 16 March 2011 from 9 am to 4.30 pm

The registration fee is $85 including GST.  The RSVP for registrations is 1 March 2012.  If you require any further information contact either Lorraine Coelho at lcoelho@adhb.govt.nz or Anna Roberton at aroberton@adhb.govt.nz

Events

Summer Street Art

Join the In2it Street Crew as we bring free outdoor art sessions to young people in partnership with Auckland Council.   All art material and resources will be provided. The sessions are informal and the target age group is between 10 and 17 years old.   All are welcome to come along and have a go, no matter what your skill level is.  In2it is about hanging with your mates and having fun listening to music.

• When:                  21 January – 31 March, Saturdays 1pm-4pm
• Where:                Collins Park, Greenhithe Road, Greenhithe
• Cost:                      Free
• Contact:               Email scott@in2it.org.nz or call 027 286 3997 or visit the web site http://www.in2it.org.nz/

RYDA New Zealand Ltd Road Safety Awareness Week on the North Shore from 12-23 May 2012 in conjunction with Youth Week activities

My Life – my Choices “- about keeping safe on our roads

RYDA is planning to hold a Road Safety Awareness Week  on the North Shore from Monday  May 12 – Wednesday May 23  for 15 – 17 year old youth, in conjunction with Youth Week activities.

The Rotary initiated road safety awareness programme seeks to lower the road toll amongst young people by delivering key Road Safety messages that are always taught in other driving programmes in order to change the attitude of young people at a time when interest in driving and being on the roads is high and peer pressure is paramount.   There will also be an evening for parents  when they will find out ways to encourage safe driving skills amongst their teens.

Queries and bookings by local schools and groups are welcome.  Email rae@ryda.org.nz or phone 09 360 7917, 021 631 794.

Wheelchair Tennis Open Day

Halberg Trust, Parafed Auckland and Tennislife have combined forces and are running a Wheelchair Tennis Open Day, on Thursday January 26^th  2012 from 9am to 12am at the Forrest hill Tennis Centre.  The day is designed for young people who have a physical impairment.  However, Students do not need to be in a wheelchair to participate, as sports chairs will be provided on the day.  Racquets will also be provided. 

Tennislife, and their head coach Kevin Woolcott, have been running weekly wheelchair tennis lesson since February this year and all the original participants have continued throughout the year.  The open day will be a great opportunity for your students to try a new sport with the opportunity to participate in it regularly if they wish to.   There are many competitive opportunities in the sport and the game is played at an elite level at all four grand slams around the world.

Please clink on this link for further information http://www.tennislife.co.nz/inside.asp?documentid=54.  If any of your students would like to attend, could you please ask them to email either myself or Kevin Woolcott Kevin@tennislife.co.nz.

Blue Light “Kids Gone Fishin’ Auckland

Host: Fishing legend and Blue Light Patron- ‘Graeme Sinclair’

• Venue: North Wharf Wynyard Quadrant,
• Cnr Halsey & Jellicoe St, Auckland City
• Date: Sunday 29 January 2012
• Time: 9:30am—11:30am
• Entry: Free—Limited to the first 1000

Register for free at: www.eventfinder.co.nz and your child will get a free registration pack on arrival.  This forms part of the Auckland seafood festival.

Kaipatiki Project Open Day 2012

Free fun community event showcasing the wealth of environmental and educational services available from Kaipatiki Project – includes composting, gardening and flax-weaving demos, bush walks, kids activities, refreshments and more.

• When:    Saturday 18 February 2012, 10am-2pm
• Where:  Kaipatiki Project Environment Centre, 17 Lauderdale Road, Birkdale, Auckland

Youth Week:  19-27 May 2012

For your diary – Youth Week 2012 is from Sat 19 to Sun 27 May.

Ara Taiohi are now looking for creative young people to help determine the theme for Youth Week 2012. They are asking people who work with young people, have youth advisory groups, or holiday programmes to ask the young people to help come up with a theme for Youth Week.  Last year’s theme was “Step Up; Be YOUth, Take Responsibility, Be Heard”. Past themes included Connecting youth and families; Make time for youth; Relate.  Post your ideas on Ara Taiohi’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/YouthWeek or email suggestions to admin@arataiohi.org.nz. A poll will be held in January to vote for the preferred option.  Have fun, get creative and share your ideas for a theme for Youth Week 2012!

Neighbours Day:  2012 24-25 March 2012

Save the date!  How will you celebrate with your neighbours?  www.neighboursday.co.nz or email kiaora@neighboursday.org.nz.  Take the lead and organise your own street party, gathering, BBQ or cricket match!

Schools Peace Week 2012

• When:   Monday 6^th-Friday 10^th August (Week 4, Term 3, 2012)
• Theme: Music for Peace

2012 Auckland Secondary Schools Symposium

• When:   Friday 17^th August (Week 5, Term 3, 2012)
• Venue:  To be decided
• Theme: Music for Peace

Pink Shirt Day 2012

• When:   Friday 18^th May 2012
• Theme: An opportunity for schools to stand up and speak up against bullying

What’s Happening at Auckland Zoo

To find out what’s going on at the Zoo, http://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/whats-happening/upcoming-events.aspx

Funding

Youthfund Applications Open

Youthfund is currently accepting applications to fund local youth-run projects and events within the North Shore community.

More info:  www.youthfund.co.nz for an application form.  Any questions email Michael Bell michael@youthfund.co.nz or Gigi Alvarez gigi@youthfund.co.nz. Facebook like us on http://www.facebook.com/pages/Youthfund/145268689723

Ministry of Youth Development 2012 Youth Fund

The Ministry of Youth Development is pleased to open the 2012 Youth Fund for young people to apply for small grants of between $2,000 – $7,000 for Youth Development projects for and by young people aged 12-24 years.  It’s called the ‘Youth Fund’ because we want applications to come from young people and we have a panel of young people who will assess all submitted applications and make the decision on which projects should and should not be funded, it really is a ‘Youth Fund’.

The closing date for completed applications is 27 January 2012, and successful applicants will be notified by 21 February 2012.  All funded projects need to be completed by 30 June 2012.

For more information see http://www.myd.govt.nz/funding/youth-fund/youth-fund.html or if you have any questions please contact Greg Jones on 04 916 3830.

Holiday Programmes for Young People

Breakaway Programme

Breakaway is a free fully funded marine and outdoor adventure school holiday programme.    Funding available for 24 young students.   Here’s the chance to gain some valuable outdoor knowledge as well as the opportunity to come away with Sir Peter Blake MERC’s achievement credits.  Based around the philosophies of Sir Peter Blake, the MERC Breakaway School Holiday Programme is a structured programme that will equip young people with real life practical and theoretical skills needed to tackle adventures on the water and land and give them confidence to achieve their dreams.

Course dates:    4-6 January 2012, 9-13 January 2012, 16-20 January 2012 and 22-27 January 2012.

Contact office@merc.org.nz or 09 473 0714 to register for the programme.  Numbers of fully funded positions are limited.

Get Squashed these Hols!

Devonport Squash Club is offering a school holiday programme in mid-January featuring team and outdoor fun activities plus squash. Tuition $85. Contact Paul @ 445 0004 or paulcornish@xtra.co.nz.

Smashtennis Kids

Pre-Xmas Holiday Camp at Belmont Racquets Club (Bayswater Ave) from Dec 19 – 23.  Junior Camp from 9 am – noon or match lay from 10 am – 1 pm (for interclub kids only). $30 per session or book online for $25. Mark 021 462 496 or mark@smashtennis.co.nz.

National Youth Theatre Company “Allstars” Programme

National Youth Theatre Company “Allstars” School Holiday Programme. January 17 – 21, 9 am – 4 pm, The Rose Centre, Belmont. Acting, singing, dancing, speech. All aspects of performance covered.  Open to girls and boys between 7 and 17. For more info, contact caren@nytc.co.nz or 948 6982.

News

ADHB-WDHB Bi-lateral Collaboration:  The Chief Executives of Auckland District Health Board (ADHB) and Waitemata District Health Board (WDHB) have received approvals from both their boards to progress with a bilateral collaboration initiative, which is intended to improve the quality of health service delivery across both ADHB and WDHB.  This process, and consultation with staff and relevant stakeholders, is expected to commence from early 2012.  Further announcement of those areas under consideration for collaboration and the process to be taken will follow in the New Year.

Those of you working with teen parents or interested in NZ’s high rate of teen parenthood:  See press release:  http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1112/S00074/teens-having-babies-challenges-and-opportunities.htm.   The Families Commission released this report on 7 December, but it doesn’t appear to have attracted much media comment.  Access the full report here http://www.familiescommission.govt.nz/sites/default/files/downloads/teenage-pregnancy.pdf

Reject Youth Unemployment Coalition Seeks Solutions with Minister:  The Reject Youth Unemployment Coalition says that today’s news that the NEET (youth not in employment, education, or training) rate has dropped by 0.5 percentage points to 12.3 percent is a step in the right direction. However, it is also a reminder that we need to keep the focus on the hundreds of thousands of young New Zealanders who are still counted amongst the NEET group.  Read more http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1112/S00194/reject-youth-unemployment-seeks-solutions-with-minister.htm

Other

Kaipatiki Project Needs YOU for its Bush Blitzes

Do you enjoy the bush and working outdoors? Can you help us carry out chemical free weeding and a general spruce up local streams and reserves in Birkdale?

We meet at the Kaipatiki Project Environment Centre (17 Lauderdale Road, Birkdale) on the first Saturday of the month at 9.30am. We will be working mainly in a nearby reserve with no chemicals, just muscle and enthusiasm – learn how to tell good from evil in the plant world and have fun at the same time.

Bring wet weather gear, gumboots, your mates and some lunch. Morning tea and tools provided.  Enquiries phone 482 1172 or email coordinator@kaipatiki.org.nz. Website www.kaipatiki.org.nz

Dates: First Saturday of each month 9.30 am-12.00 pm:  4 February 2012 and 3 March 2012

Albany Primal Youth Looking for Performers

Albany Primal Youth is looking for local high school bands to perform at their Albany venue.  The group is looking for at least one high school band to play for per month, using Albany Primal as a venue for young people passionate about music to perform and get some experience under their belts. Preference is for high schoolers with a bit of musical skill and also who have original songs.

More info:  zacsejongkim@gmail.com or 0274 433 131

Learn How to Play the Ukelele

Milford “You Can Uke” – teens, come learn how to play ukulele. All welcome, you can gather your friends and create a new group, choose your own flavor of songs etc…or join the existing one, all is possible. Give Brigid a call on 4860921 or txt 02102254422

Foster Carers/Caregivers for CYF

If you are a member of a local community group, you may be able to help Child, Youth and Family in our search for foster carers / caregivers.  We are currently looking for people with big hearts to provide care and support for our New Zealand teens in need of a home.

Direct all queries to Frank Hunt from the Care Services Team on (09) 9173257 or details on website: www.cyf.govt.nz/info-for-caregivers

Resources and Research

Positive Youth Development:  Weaving Connections

Positive Youth Development in Aotearoa is the Wayne Francis Charitable Trust’s latest resource that provides a holistic approach to youth development in New Zealand. The framework explores the connection between the young person and the community, and the approaches that can be used to achieve the development of both.

The resource was developed by the Trust’s Youth Advisory Group and is supported by first-hand accounts from Advisory Group members, and is endorsed by leaders in the sector. It has been designed as a guide to best practice for those working with young people and the organisations that support them. It is intended to promote discussion, and the Trust welcomes comments and feedback: http://www.wfct.org.nz/Resources/Publications

Specifically Pacific Report Highlights Young Pacific Workers

A report by the Equal Employment Opportunities Trust published in November 2011 provides much-needed information about the situation for young Pacific workers in New Zealand. Specifically Pacific: Engaging Young Pacific Workers draws on the positive experiences of several managers who provide a basis for establishing some working guidelines on how to support and engage successfully with young Pacific workers.

http://www.eeotrust.org.nz/research/index.cfm?cache=282002 or email library@eeotrust.org.nz.

Online Resource Identifies Skills

Know your Skills is an online self-help tool to assist young people to identify their skills. This interactive tool, developed by Careers New Zealand, takes young people through a series of interactive quizzes, video and audio exercises. At the end they assess themselves against 20 core skills and provide supporting evidence for their CV.

Click here to view the Know Your Skills guide.

Summer Research Project – Young Maori

There is a summer scholarship student in the Planning faculty in the University of Auckland who is doing research about urban planning and mental well-being in relation to young Maori. If you know of someone who would be interested in being involved and interviewed as part of the project – please contact:

Professor Dory Reeves
Associate Dean Research
School of Architecture and Planning
University of Auckland

Email: d.reeves@auckland.ac.nz

Ph: (09) 373 7599 ext 83944

Community Connections Auckland

ACDA have set-up a new website to help you network with other community groups and organisations in the Auckland region. You can load a profile for your group and search for others by area or category.  Visit http://www.communityconnectionsauckland.net/

New Web Based Tool will aim to Prevent Depression in Young People

A new research project at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) will develop a web-based tool to be used with young people who have strong family histories of mood disorders in order to try and prevent depression and related disorders from taking hold. The new ‘mood resilience e-tool’ will incorporate depression risk assessment, risk profiling and resilience-building activities.  http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/docs/Wilde_mood_e-tool.pdf

Identity, Anger and the Brain

The Reclaiming Youth International website regularly has interesting information including an article about identity and belonging, a review of a book, How to Be Angry: An Assertive Anger Expression Group Guide for Kids and Teens, and a review of The Hopeful Brain: Relational Repair for Disconnected Children.

For more information visit http://www.reclaiming.com/content/

Queer Youth Development Initiative

Curious is a national queer youth development initiative between the New Zealand AIDS Foundation and Rainbow Youth. Curious is a resource for young people to share feelings and experiences about sexuality and gender identity with the aim of enhancing connectedness and supporting them to promote diversity in their communities.  Check out www.curious.org.nz.

New Youth Peace Programme Web Site

We would like to introduce our recently updated ENACT website www.enact.org.nz! It’s an initiative of The Peace Foundation to support national and international youth peace programmes.  Our mission: “Enact’s mission is to engage young people in peace issues and activities, promote youth initiatives on non-violence, conflict resolution and cross-cultural understanding, and provide a space for the perspectives of young people on peace issues.”

The ENACT website includes a wide range of updates on different peace issues. It offers information about different programmes of The Peace Foundation, and upcoming peace related events, both national and international. Youth will also have the opportunity to contribute and comment on various peace topics. Check out our section ‘internships’ if you are interested in gaining practical experience in different organisations! Enjoy our website!

Coping Support for the Holiday Period at Engage Aotearoa

The Coping Kete is an online coping tool where you can find new strategies for improving the moment and get online support with the process. The holidays can be a tough time for lots of different reasons. Often our friends are out of town and many support services are closed during this period, which can make it even harder. You can use The Coping Kete as a way to get through positively – all you need to do is get busy experimenting with the many different positive ways of coping with stress and distress. The Coping Kete is a great place to do that. You might even find ideas for things that you can do with other people.  Visit www.engagenz.co.nz and click on Learn New Coping Skills to find out more and start filling your own personal coping kete.   You can also find community links with The Community Resources Directory, connect with Engage Drop-In Group and learn more about mental health.

How-to Tools for Mentors

The Youth Mentoring Network, with support from the Ministry of Youth Development, have developed How-to Tools for Mentors as online fact sheets. You can access a new How-to Tool each month.  The current sheet is “How to help a young person explore their identity and culture”.   Download the fact sheets here:  http://www.youthmentoring.org.nz/tools/index.cfm

Youth Court Research – Ministry of Justice

A report has recently been released on findings from a Youth Court research project aimed at providing insights into the experiences and views of young people going through the court, their families/whānau, and the experiences of Youth Court professionals.

Download the report here http://www.justice.govt.nz/publications/global-publications/y/Publication

Government Green Paper on Vulnerable Children

New resources to help children and young people have their say

Many of you will already know about the Green Paper and how you can share your ideas on what should happen for vulnerable children.  The Government wants to hear from all New Zealanders – including children and young people.

Two new resources have been developed to support adults who work with children and young people to:

• run a discussion with children and young people on some of the issues in the Green Paper
• help children and young people to record their own ideas simply and easily and submit them
• make links with Te Whariki and the New Zealand Curriculum.

These resources will be useful for anyone who wants to hear the ideas of children and young people including teachers, youth group leaders, after school care and school holiday providers, religious group leaders and cultural group leaders.  You can easily download the resources by going to www.childrensactionplan.govt.nz and looking at the resources page.

No submission is too small to be considered.  A submission can be a few sentences or a collection of comments from a group – it doesn’t have to be a formal document.  Submissions can be made by email, completing the freepost form that can be downloaded from the website, writing a letter, posting comments on Facebook, following Twitter or via the ‘Have your say’ section of the webpage.  Or participate in the MYD survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/H6SYNRD.

Please think about how you can support children and young people to have their say.  Spread the message to other groups in your community that you know and work with – marae, church groups, sports clubs and other local meeting places.

All New Zealanders are urged to have their say by making a submission before 28 February 2012.  For more information visit the Green Paper website at  http://www.childrensactionplan.govt.nz/

Make Your Communications Accessible

The Office for Disability Issues has put together a great resource with quick tips for plain English and effective communication, available from their website at:

http://www.odi.govt.nz/resources/guides-and-toolkits/make-your-communications-more-accessible/index.html

Training Opportunities for Youth Workers

MYD Keepin’ it Real Workshops

MYD  is offering the Keepin’ It Real workshop as part of your training planning for the New Year.  The training is free and lunch is supplied. Half day training can be negotiated if that suits better.

This full day workshop is an opportunity to learn about youth participation and how you can incorporate it into your own work to achieve better outcomes for young people.  It is useful for a wide range of individuals who work with young people, including youth workers, clinicians, service managers and community workers.

10-12 minimum attendees required.

The Keepin’ It Real workshops provide an interactive training that uses a variety of different activities to focus on:

• what youth participation is
• the benefits of effective youth participation
• considering blocks and barriers to youth participation, and  identifying solutions for overcoming these
• examining some successful examples of youth participation.

For more information, contact Melissa Lelo at MYD on 09 916 1848 or 029 200 6377 or email Melissa.Lelo001@myd.govt.nz

Health Training/Resources for those Working with Youth

Nourish is a training and resource pack for those working with youth and has been developed by Eden – New Zealand’s leading community provider of eating difficulties support.   Nourish has a focus on body image, self-esteem, health practices around food and exercise, bullying, and critical thinking.  The training and resources will equip you with effective tools to use in your education, health promotion or support role.  The Nourish pack also includes information and training on how to identify eating issues and provide support for those struggling with them.

The Nourish Workshop includes:

• 4 hour training
• Nourish resource pack– includes activities, workshops, links and images
• Facilitator’s guide – includes tips, ideas, key questions
• “At War With Our bodies” DVD
• Light dinner included
• Safety Guide – includes warning signs and ideas on how to support those with eating difficulties

When: Tuesday 28^th February, 4.00-8.30 pm.  Light dinner included.

Where: At EDEN – 395A Manukau Rd, Epsom, Auckland

Cost:     Community Group / School / Student: $160.00

Private Practice / Business / Government Organisation: $210.00

For more information:  http://www.eden.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Edens-Nourish-Flyer-and-Registration-28th-Feb-2012.pdf or contact info@eden.org.nz.

New Bachelor of Youth Development Programme

For the first time ever, a Bachelor of Youth Development is an option for people working with youth in New Zealand. The new degree has been developed by the Wellington Institute of Technology (Weltec) and was launched on 29 August 2011. Youth workers and others in the youth sector were involved in the development and planning of the three-year degree course. It is a significant step towards raising the standards in the youth sector through education and training. Enrolments are now open for courses in Petone and Auckland in February 2012.

For more information go to http://www.weltec.ac.nz/SUBJECTAREAS/SocialServices/BachelorofYouthDevelopment.aspx.

Just Youth

Just Youth is a creative arts and music approach to youth offending, problem behaviour and community rehabilitation. It’s a statutory approved community service based in a modern studio environment. Just Youth has been developed by Mark Wallis, an experienced youth social worker, programme manager and musician. For more information go to www.justyouth.co.nz

Training Opportunities for Young People

Youth Transition Services

Youthline offers a free service that helps 15-19 year-olds to get into employment, further training, apprenticeships and other meaningful activities. Our service range is for people who live or have attended schools in central Auckland and the North Shore. Depending on what they’re needing, we work over the phone or one-on-one with a youth worker who can help you in lots of different ways including career advice and planning, finding work experience, job searching and helping you to access training and apprenticeships. Our goal is to ensure that young people succeed and become independent after they leave school!

Contact Youthline for further information on 376 6645 or info@youthline.co.nz.

Do You Know What Your Dream Job Is?

Hey Yo  – Listen Up

Do you know what your dream job is?  If you’re absolutely sure what you long to do that’s great. But maybe you aren’t so sure and that’s OK too. Perhaps your dream job will become clear over time, as it does for many people. Whichever is true for you, I believe that the search for your dream job is very important. Because so much of your adult life will be spent working, finding work you love will help make your whole life more satisfying and fun. The fun which is not just a kid’s thing, should continue throughout your whole life, sadly most of us adults forget this and swop fun for boring –  what sort of life is that?

Check out my Website www.lifeworks4me.co.nz.  Access some of the cool video resources that are there for you. When you are ready to start your adventure call me and together we can start looking at your life and discover your answer to the question: How do I find work that I love?

Richard Vernall  is a qualified career consultant (Graduate Diploma in Career Development) and has served on the Auckland CDANZ Committee  (Career Development Association New Zealand) since 2006. Richard has three children,  including two teenagers.

Youth Vision – Youth Development Programme

Youth Vision is a FREE eight week youth development programme based in Helensville and runs three days a week for young people aged 15-24yrs.  The curriculum includes Life Skills, Employment Skills, Social and Community Skills, Health, Wellbeing and Fitness and Adventure and Outdoor Education. The next 2012 course starts Tuesday 31^st January  until Thursday 22^nd March.

Contact details: Te Awaroa Youth Club,09 4207977, youthvision@teawaroayouthclub, www.teawaroayouthclub.co.nz.

Dance and Drama Classes

The Hibiscus Coast Youth Centre teaches dance and drama classes. Hannah teaches both hip-hop and drama and thoroughly enjoys challenging the students with new creative ideas.  There are a variety of classes on a Thursday night for ages 3-11years. There is also a teen class for ages 12-18 years on a Saturday morning. All classes are sponsored by Creative Communities and the HBC youth centre so they are FREE of charge.  Book now!  Email hbcyouthcentre@ihug.co.nz or phone 09 426 5005.

MIOMO – Making It On My Own – Residential Life and Work Skills Course

MIOMO is a  fun 10-day live-in course equipping all 17 – 24 year olds with  life and work skills to become responsible, independent and successful adults.   Held at Albany, Auckland, outcomes include:

• Killer CV and communication skills to get the best job
• Money and time management
• People skills to build healthy and sustainable relationships
• How to develop yourself physically, emotionally and mentally
• Skills to successfully live away from home

On completion of MIOMO, Graduates have a ‘Buddy’ – a quality adult to walk alongside them for 90 days to help them achieve the goals they set on MIOMO:

Next Courses:  Jan 10 – 20 and Feb 7 – 17

More info:  Contact Yvonne Godfrey on 413 9777 or 0272 495 444 or email yvonne@miomo.co.nz or visit www.miomo.co.nz

NCEA Learning Advisory

Freedom Fitness PLUS, in association with local businesses and Te Kura, are pleased to announce a Learning Advisory for 2012 at 33 Rawene Road, Birkenhead.  If you seek a safe, friendly, and supportive atmosphere to gain NCEA Unit Standard credits in 2012 and you wish to take advantage of a complimentary gym membership (available only to students of the Learning Advisory) please contact Freedom Fitness PLUS:

• Text 021 176 4266
• Tel 09 282 3169
• Email freedomfitnessbirkenhead@gmail.com

NCEA study via this Learning Advisory is open to all ages.  This is a correspondence course supported by weekly teacher/student meetings each Thursday.

Construction Skills Course

G&H Training’s Practical Construction Skills Course is for 16 & 17 year olds who need a more practical learning choice. It is specifically for young people who may be at risk of leaving school without the qualifications they need to succeed in the job market.

Practical Construction Skills includes the National Certificate in Building Construction and Allied Trades Skills and units in carpentry that count towards an apprenticeship. Learning is centred on practical activities in our fully equipped workshops.  Students learn both construction theory and practical.  They also learn useful work skills, literacy and numeracy for the workplace, and first aid.

This course has NO COURSE FEES and start dates throughout the year! On completion learners can move directly into employment or into apprenticeships with support of our Modern Apprenticeship Service. Others who want to be builders can gain direct entry into our Pre-Employment Carpentry programme. For more information call us on 0800 876 4664 or check us out at www.ghtraining.co.nz.

Venues: 2F Rothwell Ave, Rosedale, Auckland and 349 East Tamaki Road, Manukau.

Youth Opportunities

Summer Projects for 15-18 Year Olds

Here’s a long awaited exciting opportunity to volunteer to participate in a valuable ‘Service Learning Experience’.  It may be for just one day but it will be fun, offer something special to the community and you’ll be part of something special.  More details of the several projects to choose from will be out in early January so register your interest and we will send you the details in a few weeks. Most projects will be in late January 2012.  Contact Wayne Williams on wayne@safernorth.co.nz or 0274 500 478 to register.

Devonport Youth Group

Youthink.Devo. Youth group open to all, welcoming new people, and meeting monthly to plan youth events, support youth initiatives, and to just hang out. For info, please contact Devonport Community Coordinator Maire Vieth, 021 776 057.

Chill

Chill is a youth group initiative at the Hibiscus Coast Youth Centre run by the local youth and volunteers. Chill provides youth between the ages of 13-17 years a safe space to have fun with friends. On the 1^st Saturday of every month they go and do something fun… i.e. Laser Force, Bowling, Waiwera etc. On the 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th Saturday of every month Chill has skate comps, movies, café hang out, sports and more.  If you would like to be involved in this or would like more information contact the Centre on phone 09 426 5005 or Email hbcyouthcentre@ihug.co.nz.

Youthfund Board Members

The Youthfund Board are now seeking applications for new Board members in 2012. The Board is seeking those with leadership, community awareness and creative skills that may be valuable to a youth funding board. Applicants must be aged between 12 and 24. For more information, head to www.youthfund.co.nz or contact Michael Bell michael@youthfund.co.nz or Gigi Alvarez gigi@youthfund.co.nz.

2012 Peace Scholarships Open

Applications for 2012 White Poppy Peace Scholarships for research are now open. The Peace Scholarships comprise at least two grants that are awarded each year to assist students at any tertiary education institution in Aotearoa New Zealand with research into the impacts of militarism, militarisation and warfare; alternatives to militarism, militarisation and warfare; or collective non-violent responses to state violence.

For more information go to the website http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/scholar.htm or email peacescholarship@gmail.com. Applications close Fri, 24 February.

Proposals for side way – a New Installation Space at Artstation

In October YAC (Artstation’s Youth Art Committee) launched their new space side way in the Print Room window on Ponsonby Road. Amy Potenger is a founding member of YAC and she will present a new work for side way entitled Dead Dogs and Gym Teachers. The installation will be on show until 8 January 2012.

Now YAC invites visual artists to submit proposals for side way.  If you are under 26 and have some drawing, object, jewellery, moving image, painting, text or textile work you’d like to show in a window on Ponsonby Road, send your idea for your use of the space and some images of your work with a brief artist statement to youthartcommittee@gmail.com

See side way on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sideway.yac

For more info:

• Artstation
• Ph: +64 9 376 3221
• Fax: +64 9 307 7645
• Location: 1 Ponsonby Road, Newton, Auckland 1011
• www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/artstation

Challenge Camp

Each Year Rotary has a Challenge camp for 25 young people who are physically disabled .  Each ‘camper’ is partnered with an able bodied  international exchange student. Participants  need to be 16- 24 years of age. Participants may have sensory impairments, physical impairments or mild intellectual impairments  these may include impairments  of speech , hearing vision or physical mobility, may include participants with a wheelchair provided one mentor with no specific training can support them.

The Rotary Club of Northcote is seeking applicants for the 2012 camp. This is an activity based experience where barriers of culture and ability are broken down.  Participants and the carers  learn  from the week and  have reported  that it has been a wonderful experience.

Challenge camp will be held over 4 days from 6-9 May 2012 at Willowpark Camp. Applications: Will close on Mar 12th 2012 to allow time for assessment and final confirmation of accommodation and activities.

Anyone interested in applying please contact  Guy Parkes guy.parkes@loanmarket.co.nz or 021 484432

Youth Voice Needed

Tell YouthLaw Your Views!

YouthLaw is telling politicians what we and young people think about a number of issues. If you’re under 25 and you’re keen to have your voice heard, please let us know!

• Green Paper on Vulnerable Children – what the government should do to help children and young people experiencing poverty, violence, abuse, or with housing, social, education, legal or health problems. Email any views to joanna@youthlaw.co.nz
• Inquiry into Determinants of Wellbeing for Maori Children – if you’re Maori, and you’re under 25, and you have views on what factors help Maori rangatahi with their wellbeing, please get in touch. Email sean@youthlaw.co.nz
• Family Court Review – how processes and procedures in the operation of the Family Court could be improved to benefit children. Email sean@youthlaw.co.nz
• Victims of Crime Reform Bill – how victims of crime can have their say when decisions are made about offenders.  Email sean@youthlaw.co.nz

Help Shape Mental Health Programmes

The Framework Trust invites young people who have had experience of mental distress or an empathy with those with experience of it to help shape new youth programmes. The Trust delivers community-based mental health and intellectual disability services in Greater Auckland from strategic locations throughout the city.

For more information www.framework.org.nz  or contact Tina Helm, Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, 09 300 7031, tina@mentalhealth.org.nz.

Keeping in Touch

Join YouthworX on Facebook!

YouthworX has a group on Facebook as another way for us to all stay connected, share ideas and promote what’s going on. If you’d like to join the group please click on this link to request membership http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_176637339024273&ap=1#!/home.php?sk=group_176637339024273

• Jointhe facebook network
• Promote your Youth events on Appleseed.