Welcome to this month’s e-update from YouthworX!
“Follow your genius closely enough, and it will not fail to show you a fresh prospect every hour…”
YouthworX Network Meeting
With the end of the year/Christmas frenzy nearly upon us, I thought I’d get in first and give you a “heads up” that the next YouthworX network meeting will be held on Thursday the 8th December from 1.00-3.00 pm at PHAB, 8 Auburn Street, Takapuna.
The theme is Flourishing Youth Mental Health: Raising Awareness and Acceptance of Difference, and the meeting will be co-facilitated by the Mental Health Foundation.
Topics are likely to include:
- It’s all about connection – helping young people find meaning and purpose to reduce the risk factor of suicide
- Celebrating the good work our youth workers/service organisations are already doing to save lives – not focusing on the negative aspects, i.e. suicide
- Supporting the families – mental health issues typically extend to the families as well
- Young people need to “step up” and access services themselves – how do we support this engagement?
- Sharing of resources – instead of complaining about the lack of services available to our young people, let’s find out what is already there and what is working – particularly peer support groups
A light lunch will be provided. For catering purposes, can you please advise by 1 December if you will be attending. Look forward to seeing you all there!
Awards
North Harbour Club AIMES Awards
Huge congratulations to our former Director, Amanda Judd, for her impressive achievements and for receiving The North Harbour Club, Auckland City Council Award for Excellence in Service to the Community. She’s certainly a hard act to follow!
Conferences/Workshops/Huis
Solo Dads Seminar
Father & Child Trust Auckland would like to invite you to a presentation by Harald Breiding-Buss on Solo Dads in New Zealand. Based on the ‘Dependant on Dad Report’ by Father and Child Trust, the seminar will break new ground in understanding the needs, situations and engagement with solo dads.
- When: 24th November 2011
- Where: Onehunga Community Centre Beeson Room
- Time: 12noon to 2:00pm . Coffee and nibbles provided.
- Please rsvp for catering purposes: Tel: 09 5251690 www.fatherandchild.org.nz
Shared Vision Recovery Conference
“Address the Stress”.
- Date: 24 November 2011
- Venue: Te Pai Centre, 31-35 Te Pai Place, Henderson
- Time: 9.00-3.00
- More info: RSVP/ further enquiries contact Helen at WALSH Trust on (09) 8375240 or e-mail sharedvisionwaitakere@walsh.org.nz, alternatively visit NEW SITE www.sharedvision.co.nz
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
UNESCO Youth Forum
Youth who have experienced the Christchurch earthquakes or other natural disasters in New Zealand are invited to take part in the Looking Beyond Disaster: UNESCO Youth Forum, to be held in Christchurch on 9 -12 Dec. The Forum will bring together 100 young people from the Asia-Pacific region to share their experiences of natural disaster and to discuss youth and community resilience.
For more information contact Vicki Soanes, vicki.soanes@minedu.govt.nz, phone 04 463 8626 or visit www.unesco.org.nz.
Events
Rape Prevention Education AGM
After 7 years on Williamson Avenue, Rape Prevention Education is moving to new premises at 26a Crummer Rd, Ponsonby. Our first official event, to which you are all invited, will be our Annual General Meeting to be held on the 9th December.
The attached is an invitation to that event, and we hope many of you will RSVP to attend and help us warm our bigger better space.
We have an interesting programme for you to enjoy, beginning with a powhiri at 9.30am, followed by morning tea. There will be a few short speeches before the brief AGM, and the morning will end with a presentation from our youth team.
Lunch will then be served for those who wish to stay and have a look around our office, and those attending the Auckland Council Sexual Violence Caucus Hui which will start at 1.30 – 3.30 pm.
- When: Friday, 9 December
- Time: 9.30 am-12.45 pm (lunch provided at conclusion of meeting). Youth team presentation at 12.00 pm.
- Where: 26a Crummer Road, Ponsonby
- RSVP: Ashiana at ashiana@rapecrisis.org.nz by 28 November
Rainbow Youth Alternative Ball
Roll up, Roll up, Roll up… Rainbow Youth are holding their annual Alternative Ball on Sunday December 11th from 6 – 11 pm. Come and join in the circus themed ball, we will herald the 2011/12 King and Queen, performers and DJs will entertain you. The cost is $10 – it’s for all ages and will be held at DNA on Karangahape Road. This event is drug, alcohol and smoke free. The money raised will go to Rainbow Youth and support making our schools diverse and inclusive of all sexualities and genders. So come along and join in the theme of circus and maybe you could be crowned King or Queen for the year. And check out the Alternative Ball event on Face Book….or these websites: www.rainbowyouth.org.nz or www.curious.org.nz
PHAB Christmas Carols Evening
Bring your singing voice, rug, picnic and BYO! $10 tickets – buy at the door – includes free sausage in bread and drink. Fully wheelchair accessible.
- When: Friday, 9 December (weather permitting)
- Time: 6.00-9.00 pm
- Where: PHAB, 8 Auburn Street, Takapuna
Shared Vision Christmas Lunch Celebration
- Join the Shared Vision Steering Group to celebrate the achievements of 2011.
- When: Wednesday, 14 December
- Time: 12.00 pm – Lunch provided followed by Christmas carols
- Where: Seminar room, Te Puna Hauora, 58a Akoranga Drive, Northcote
Youth Week 19-27 May 2012
For your diary – Youth Week 2012 is from Sat 19 to Sun 27 May.
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
Disability Workforce Development Training Grants Available
Disability Workforce Development training grants are available to assist disability support service organisations with costs arising from their employee’s participation in a NZQA national certificate or diploma qualification. This includes the Level 2 and Level 3 National Certificate in Community Support and others on the Ministry of Health list of approved qualifications.
Applications for training in 2012 close on 9 December 2011.
For more information, visit http://www.disabilityworkforce.co.nz/page/disabilityworkforce_20.php
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 Jonathan Gee on jonathan@youthfund.co.nz .
Facebook like us on http://www.facebook.com/pages/Youthfund/145268689723
News
Headlines
Youth at unprecedented risk – what will political parties do? The Gluckman Report on adolescent health (‘Improving the Transition: Reducing Social and Psychological Morbidity during Adolescence’) has highlighted the extent of difficulties faced by New Zealand youth: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00328/youth-at-unprecedented-risk-what-will-political-parties-do.htm
The NZ Transport Agency says it hopes the hugely positive response to its new drink-drive ad campaign is a sign that young New Zealanders are ready to take up the challenge of speaking up when a mate is about to drive drunk: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1110/S00137/huge-response-to-new-drink-drive-ad-campaign.htm
A campaign against youth unemployment launched on 3 November. Reject Youth Unemployment coalition (RYU) is a coalition made up of those affected by youth unemployment, concerned organisations, economists, academics and other individuals aiming to bring a community and youth voice to the issue of high youth unemployment and the lack of opportunities available for young people in New Zealand: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00075/reject-youth-unemployment-coalition-launched.htm
Other
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
Kaipatiki Project Needs YOU for its Bush Blitzes
Do you enjoy the bush and working outdoors? Can you help us spruce up local streams and reserves?
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. Enquiries phone 482 1172 or email coordinator@kaipatiki.org.nz. Website www.kaipatiki.org.nz
Dates: 3 Dec, 4 Feb, 3 March, 7 April, 5 May
Resources and Research
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
Learner Licence Programme for Young Drivers with Learning Disabilities
A resource has been launched in Australia to help young people with learning disabilities get their learner licence. Some online content is available here:
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.
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:
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. If anyone on the North Shore is keen to get a group together for this training, let me know, and I will organise! Many thanks. Lisa
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
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 the first course starting 7 November 2011 in Petone (and then again in February 2012 in Petone and Auckland).
For more information go to http://www.weltec.ac.nz/SUBJECTAREAS/SocialServices/BachelorofYouthDevelopment.aspx or attend the Auckland Information Events. Both events are catered so if you wish to attend please RSVP to youthdevelopment@weltec.ac.nz
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
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 31st January until Thursday 22nd March.
Contact details: Te Awaroa Youth Club,09 4207977, youthvision@teawaroayouthclub, www.teawaroayouthclub.co.nz.
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: Dec 6 – 16, Jan 10 – 20, Feb 7 – 17, Mar 6 – 16
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
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
UNICEF NZ Youth Ambassadors Applications Are Open
UNICEF NZ is pleased to let you know that applications for the next UNICEF NZ Youth Ambassadors are open!
We are looking for four young Kiwis, aged 16-18, who are passionate about issues facing children and young people in developing countries. Over 12 months, UNICEF NZ will provide support for these young people to organise activities such as giving presentations, writing articles and blogs, using social media, and meeting people in the community.
If you are passionate, dedicated and have excellent time management skills and are willing to stand up in front of others, you should apply! Excellent verbal and written communication skills are also essential.
If you are interested, you should apply! Otherwise, please share with any of your friends who might be keen.
The deadline for applications is 5pm Friday 25 November 2011. Application forms are available on http://www.unicef.org.nz/
More info: Contact Pip Bennett on 0800 243 575.
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.
Voicy is Here
The Ministry of Youth Development is calling young people (12-24 years) to take part in VOICY, a youth consultation and engagement tool that enables young people to participate in the development of government policy that affects them. Young people are already online and VOICY is a way of opening up conversations between them and the government. VOICY is an online policy discussion space where young people are able to enter into dialogue with government officials. Encourage young people to check out VOICY and get involved. Spread the world. VOICY can also be found on Facebook and followed on Twitter. www.myd.govt.nz/voicy
Keeping in Touch
Join YouthworX on Facebook!
We’ve set up a YouthworX 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
Promote your Youth events on Appleseed.
YouthworX. Connecting, Empowering, & Promoting a cohesive North Shore Youth Sector.
_ _ _ Ends_ _ _
