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Last modified: 23 May 2023 2:20pm

A new youth hub is coming for Selwyn, with a range of services and supports to help young people in the district thrive.

The hub, based at the Rolleston Community Centre, will provide rangatahi youth aged 12 to 24 years old, a space to receive targeted programmes and non-judgmental confidential youth services from qualified agencies.

Te Tahi Youth and Family Planning will deliver health services, counselling and career advice and and Alternative Education will have education services in the hub.

A range of providers will also run activities, events and courses including parenting and youth courses, learner driver courses, drug and alcohol counselling sessions, arts classes, te reo Māori classes and waiata sessions.

The hub idea and services confirmed were based on needs identified by Selwyn young people and the principals at the four Selwyn high schools.

“With one of the youngest populations in New Zealand supporting our youth is a key part of serving our community. Talking to them, the needs were clear, there were fantastic services available and we had the space so it was a perfect opportunity to bring it together,” Council Group Manager Community and Facilities Denise Kidd says.

Te Tahi Youth which has expanded its successful Christchurch services to Selwyn this year through providing a health nurse at Rolleston College and a youth worker who will both join the hub.

Founder Dame Sue Bagshaw says it follows a similar model to the hub it runs in Christchurch and is a good fit for young people.
“The nurse is busy, young people are finding us and it works well. When you look at the barriers to care for young people first is cost, second is not know where to go and third is services not being accessible. If we can put as many services in there as possible, it will help make it a place where young people can find health care, but also youth development activities, and a place where they can
learn to relate, make connections and have caring in their lives.”

Any youth services or community groups looking to run services from the hub are invited to email Christine.Lane@selwyn.govt.nz attn youth hub.