Youthline Wellington turns 40

Media Release
 

Youthline Wellington turns 40
 

2.7.2010

Youthline Wellington – one of the capital’s oldest and most respected youth services – will celebrate its 40th birthday this month. 

Past and present friends and members of the service will celebrate 40 years providing telephone support to young people in the Wellington region at their  ‘Ruby Celebration’ at Zeal at 7.30pm on Saturday July 17.

DJ Kava, of Fried Chicken Soundsystem, and Bar Manager ‘Eddy’, will be on hand to ensure a successful evening.

Founded in Auckland in 1970, by Catholic Priest Father Felix Donnelly, Youthline set out to meet the needs of young people not being reached by the then Lifeline and Samaritans services.

Dr Felix Donnelly was the Director of the Department of Community Health and the Department of Behavioural Science at Auckland University from 1972-1994.  He was a controversial commentator on social and sexual issues – particularly in relation to young people - and was a talkback host on Radio Pacific for over 20 years. 

Youthline Wellington was established in 1971, taking over from the then “drop-in” organisation Teen-Aid.

Communications Coordinator Katie Weastell says the aim of the service is to provide local counselling by youth for youth and “this remains one of its great strengths today.”

“While many things have changed since the service first began, the same goals remain, such as the emphasis we place on encouraging, facilitating and supporting the rights of young people to make their own decisions,” she says. 

Youthline Wellington is one of nine Youthline centres operating within the Youthline national framework.  It services the Wellington region across to Nelson and Marlborough - providing a 24-hour helpline and text service, covered by over 60 trained volunteer counsellors.

Nationally, Youthline receives over 2000 phone calls and up to 18,000 texts each month, dealing with topics ranging from family relationships to self-harm, suicide, sex, bullying, grief, mental health, abuse, loneliness, alcohol, drugs, friends and school issues.

Youthline Wellington Coordinator Vicki Beachen believes the success of service lies in the passion and commitment of its volunteers. “Most of our volunteers are aged between 18 and 30. They give hundreds of hours each year on top of their work or studies to support New Zealand’s young people,” she says.

Education Coordinator Ellen Anderson says Youthline plays a very important role in the professional development of young people, many of whom go on to work in other counselling, psychological or social services.

“All of our counsellors have at least 40 hours professional training and supervision before they pick up a phone or send a text  - so over the years we’ve trained thousands of young people who’ve made a fantastic contribution to New Zealand society both here and overseas,” she says. 

Not all who give to Youthline Wellington are young.  One volunteer, has been volunteering on the phones for 30 years.  Two others come from families where their parents met while volunteering for Youthline Wellington!  Not to mention the young and old of the Wellington community who generously donate each year to the Youthline Wellington Street Appeal.

Youthline Wellington is currently recruiting volunteers for its next intake in July. Those interested can call (04) 801 6924 or email us at youthline1@xtra.co.nz

ends

© Scoop Media