An award-winning programme that improves the well-being of young women will launch in the Wairarapa in 2019.

The Shift Foundation supports women aged 12-20 by increasing awareness of well-being, reducing barriers and empowerment.

The three Wairarapa Councils have worked with Shift and Sport Wellington Wairarapa to bring the programme to the region for a six-month trial period.

Masterton District Council Manager of Community Facilities and Activities, Andrea Jackson, said it was a significant win for the local community.

“Shift was the recipient of a Sport New Zealand Community Impact Award this year - it’s exciting to have that calibre of community development initiative come to our region for the benefit of our young wahine,” Ms Jackson said.

“The funding will enable a Shift coordinator to operate across the three Wairarapa Councils.”

Shift has been operating in the Wellington region with the Wellington City Council supporting the programme in its early stages. In the 2017-18 financial year 4,500 young women across the Wellington Region participated in over 200 Shift activities.

The six-month trial will include the delivery of 15 sessions during school term for at least 225 young women and six sessions during the holidays for 120 young women. One group of six young women aged 11-13 will also participate in a leadership programme.

Further funding may be sought following an evaluation of the six-month pilot.

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