The New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Commission has allocated $2.3 million to increase youth work and social work
services in Canterbury schools until 2016.
The Youth Workers in Schools Grant ($1.2 million) will be used to fund 33 extra youth workers and extra hours for
current youth workers in 33 earthquake-affected intermediate and secondary schools. The services will be provided by
24-7 YouthWork.
The Social Workers in Schools Grant ($1.1 million) will be used to provide six social workers to earthquake-affected
primary and intermediate students who are considered high need, high risk and high priority.
Both grants are using residual funding from the $9.3 million Christchurch Schoolchildren’s Grant, which launched in
February 2013. The grant aims to support primary, intermediate and secondary schoolchildren who are experiencing
earthquake-related anxiety or behavioural problems and to assist those whose access to activities and resources has been
limited by earthquake-related financial hardship.
New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Commission Chair Sir John Hansen says the Commission is delighted to endorse an
extension of assistance to children affected by the earthquakes.
“The Commission has approved two additional grants, which will assist children of all ages who continue to suffer
physically and psychologically from the earthquakes,” he says. “Our initial grants helped all members of the community.
Since then, we have focused on assisting young people, the elderly, and those with health issues.”
24-7 YouthWork Network Coordinator Jay Geldard says having more youth workers in schools will make a huge difference.
“There is so much need as a result of earthquake-related stress. Our youth workers are noticing an increase in the
number of young people who need extra support.”
The New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Commission held its final meeting on Monday 17 February. It has distributed
$89.0 million in grants to 109, 710 recipients. A remaining $14.6 million is ring-fenced for current grants and grants
under development.
ENDS