The Canterbury Community Trust supports Young People in the Marlborough Region

By announcing $93,330 of funding for its Young People sector, The Canterbury Community Trust is acknowledging children and young people in Marlborough need continued support around early childhood development and opportunities for its young people to be active and thrive.

The Trust received funding requests totalling $232,284 for the Young People sector.

Feedback from stakeholders in the Young People sector highlighted the continued need for positive activities for young people to engage in, better transport opportunities and cycle ways, as well as quality education around issues facing young people today.

Positive relationships, safe environment, having things to do and the opportunity to make a contribution are proven ways of enhancing the wellbeing of young people.

“Evidence supports the fact that there are significant benefits for young people who play an active role in their community,” says The Canterbury Community Trust Chief Executive, Louise Edwards.

“The good work being undertaken by the Marlborough Youth Council provides an excellent snapshot into what the young people of Marlborough want to make a difference in their community and play an active role in the future of their region”, says Ms Edwards.

“Intergenerational activities which build positive relationships between older and young people in the community will make a real difference in the future. We can see a need to have activities targeted at encouraging more interaction in the Marlborough Region which provide social, cultural and recreational opportunities.”

Kiwi Can, run through The Foundation of Youth Development, is a wonderful example of a well administered programme which delivers life skills and values programmes for 5 to 12 year olds. 560 children in the Marlborough region will be taking home the Kiwi Can message to their families and communities this year.

Research underpins the importance of early intervention in children’s lives to ensure they are able to fully participate in society, with further evidence that supporting children with protective factors can mitigate negative aspects early on in life.

“Investment in our very youngest children will make the most difference around increasing future skills and productivity. There are greater benefits for all when investments are made earlier in a child’s life, when key cognitive and physical development processes are occurring,” says Ms Edwards.

She cites the good work being carried out in this space by organisations like Plunket.

“We all need to work together to understand what shapes children in their early years and to work to improve their outcomes. It is essential for the whole country, that our young people have a solid platform to springboard into adulthood,” says Ms Edwards.

Future funding rounds for 2015 are as follows:

Social Services – closing date 5 June 2015

Education – closing date 24 July 2015

Community and Economic Development/Environment – closing date 4 September 2015

Sport and Recreation – closing date 6 November 2015

ENDS

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