Strengthening the Youth Sector in Nelson Tasman

The Nelson Tasman Youth Workers Collective has operated for 40 years as a member led organisation. Decisions are made by those working in the youth sector, as they are the best determinants of needs and solutions.

The consultation we have undertaken over the past 12 months and beyond continues to highlight the demands placed on youth workers and the sector is as great as it has ever been. Deteriorating mental health, truancy from education along with a lack of motivation or sense of purpose are impacting more rangatahi than previously. Youth workers are reaching out for support and guidance to manage the increase in demands placed on them.

To ensure we are responsive to sector needs, the Collective has developed a Strengthening the Youth Sector Strategy, that provides targeted support to youth workers who are working alongside some of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. It has a central focus towards improving access to work and learning opportunities for our communities of greatest need as well as initiatives to reduce the likelihood of social isolation. The strategy specifically targets young people who are NEET, maori/Pasifika rangatahi, young people from LGBTQI+ community, former refugees/ migrants and new arrivals to the region, and geographically isolated young people.

A donation to our organisation will assist us achieve our strategic objectives, participate in collaborative projects, introduce new initiatives, & sustain planned growth into the future.