April 29, 2011

Media Release

Youthline shows resilience as it looks for a new home

Driven from its offices without equipment or files by the February earthquake, Youthline Central South Island (CSI) has shown great resilience as it manages a sharp increase in demand for services while looking for a home.

Life has changed for everyone in Christchurch and there are more vulnerable people than ever. Young people are facing unprecedented challenges, loss of homes, parents out of work, disrupted school hours and limited sports facilities. The need for Youthline’s services has never been greater and the ability to respond to the demand has been compromised by the loss of their central city office.

Youthline Manager Tina Mackie said that the previous office was in the heart of the red zone. "We are like many other businesses, without a home and without equipment. Where we are probably different is that demand for our services has increased dramatically,” she said.

Youthline CSI has three paid and 40 volunteer staff.

“It is the volunteers who are the core of our service. They are highly motivated people who want to make a difference and the sooner we find premises the sooner they can do the job they do so well – supporting young people and communities.”

Youthline CSI is not fully Government funded and in the past has relied on funding from a range of sources. Youthline CSI’s board of trustees was just starting to look at ways to make its financial position more secure including self-generating funding options.

"We are still progressing down that path, while also dealing with the other challenges," she said.

Youthline CSI was established in Christchurch 41 years ago and while independent of other Youthline organisations across New Zealand, works closely together with them.

Youthline has recently completed an “Earthquake Support” booklet which it will be distributing in early May. It is targeted at young people to help them understand and cope with the grief and trauma following the earthquake.

The booklet, an emotional first aid resource, includes tips to help young people cope.
From the booklet: “Although none of us had control over the earthquake, all of us have control over how we move on from it. We may not have choice over how we are feeling, but we all have the choice to get help. None of us are alone. Youthline is here to listen to your story and help you process your thoughts”

The booklet also assures young people that grief and trauma do get easier to deal with in time. How long this takes varies between people. With support, we’ll all get there in the end.

“Hopefully there are people or businesses in the community who might be able to support Youthline through provision of premises, equipment or funding. We know how sought after our services are, and we are determined that we will continue to be there for the youth of Canterbury. ” Tina Mackie said.

Helpline: 0800 376633 or free text 234
www.youthline.co.nz

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