Youthline launches free online app and weekend workshops

A world first free online app to help young people in New Zealand to navigate their journey into a successful adulthood and beyond was launched by Youthline this week.

The Good2Great app was designed by Youthline and funded by Coca-Cola. It is aimed at building young people’s self confidence, resilience and leadership skills within a safe and anonymous environment.

Youthline’s The State of the Generation research identified stress as the most significant issue facing Kiwis aged between 16 and 24.

The research also showed that the largest barrier to seeking help is embarrassment, with young people more likely to source information and help online first.

Timaru Police Senior Constable Steve Wills said he thought the app was quite significant and could make a positive impact as young people ‘‘do everything online’’. ‘‘It’s a great platform to launch from.’’

He hoped that provincial and rural New Zealand did not miss out as the young people in those areas were often isolated compared to city youth.

The suggestion that there may be criticism from some quarters over fizzy drink king Coca-Cola’s financial support for the app was not a concern, Wills said.

‘‘Who cares who’s funding it. I applaud any group and organisation that steps up to do that.’’

Connect youth Pastor Jamie Chapman who is based in Timaru thought the app sounded ‘‘great’’ particularly as it was a medium youth were already connected with.

In his experience young people wanted to learn and an app was available everywhere at any time.

‘‘The most powerful developmental tool is through relationship.

‘‘I would use the app as a tool in partnership with that.’’

Youthline chief executive Stephen Bell said its research showed that young people who felt happy and able to cope with problems had a greater capacity to do well at school, enjoy life and contribute to the community.

‘‘Good2Great encourages young people to learn about themselves, develop practical coping abilities and be in a safe environment without fear of being judged.’’

In the YMCA commissioned Timaru Youth Project surveys of 2014 and 2015 37 per cent of the 500 respondents experienced negative stresses most often caused by school and relationships.

Unlike the Youthline research which found young people were too embarrassed to ask for help the Timaru survey found they would turn to their family or whanau first for help.

To that end the app will function alongside regular free weekend workshops facilitated by Youthline teams across the country.

The first is in Oamaru on May 20 to 21 with a special appearance by musician Stan Walker who has taken on the role of Good2Great ambassador.