Youth information website urge.co.nz is being re-launched on April 17th, allowing young people easy access to online
information and support about youth health issues.
The Urge/Whakamanawa website, which began in 2001, is provided by Youthline a national youth development organisation
offering counselling, training, development programmes and information to young people and their families.
The re-launch follows an evaluation driven by a youth advisory group, where it was decided give the site a funky new
look and more interactive features.
The site offers up-to-date, relevant, youth friendly information about issues such as mental health, alcohol and drugs,
STI’s, nutrition and relationships.
Young people visiting the site have the opportunity to become part of an online membership, post their opinions about
youth issues on youth forums or submit art work and stories.
Nao Guy who is involved in the redevelopment says, “Young people sometimes feel embarrassed or unsure about seeking help
so it is important that good information and support about youth issues is available, using a medium they are
comfortable with”.
The website is being developed in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Youth Development and the
Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC).
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