Youthline Wellington Needs Your Help

Youthline Wellington has been running for 46 years, and now we desperately need your help.

We are minimally funded by government and much of our other funding comes from generous individuals or businesses. Recent local government funding cuts mean we may be forced to reduce – or possibly terminate - our services. This would put the thousands of vulnerable young people who depend on us at risk.

In the 2016/2017 year, Youthline Wellington’s Helpline counsellors answered 871 calls, and responded to 6,793 text messages from young people. Nationally, the total number of calls received during the same period to the 0800 Helpline was over 18,000. The total of incoming texts nationwide was 126,485, and there were 2,859 counselling emails received. Through community education initiatives and school visits, our youth workers reached out to thousands of young people across the Wellington region.

These services are carried out by two paid staff and over 100 volunteers. Simply put, Youthline Wellington is absolutely stretched.

The demand on our services reflects the rise in youth depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide across New Zealand – this is something we need to deal with as a nation.

But the demand also shows that Youthline is valued and trusted by young people. Our anonymous, free helpline is essential to support young people through the range of issues they may face - from puberty and bullying, to more serious issues such as depression and suicide.

We are continuing to grow, change and adapt as an organisation in order to provide the best youth-centred community services we can. In order for us to continue to sustain and grow our services, we require financial support in the way of donations, grants and partnerships.

Our helpline is free for young people and our wider community and will always be - but we need your help more than ever. If you are in a position to support our work, please contact us to receive our fundraising pack, enquire about our communication workshops, volunteer your resources, donate merchandise or offer a donation.

Thank you Aotearoa for your ongoing support.

https://givealittle.co.nz/org/ylwgtn

https://www.facebook.com/YouthlineWellington/

https://www.instagram.com/youthlinewellington/

ENDS

© Scoop Media