Young people to benefit from new funding

New funding announced today by the Government will support at-risk learners and enable vulnerable young people across Kāpiti and Horowhenua to receive early mental health support.

“Funding of $10.69 million will be allocated to 34 community-based youth sector providers around the country to deliver prevention and early intervention programmes that are tailored to young people’s needs,” Ō taki MP Tim Costley said.

Costley said this will include $171,760 for Horowhenua Learning Centre Trust, in addition to funding allocated to the Zeal Education Trust located in Paraparaumu.

“I’m pleased to see our local electorate will benefit from this announcement.”

He said funding has been granted to the Zeal Education Trust for the Zeal’s Ā konga Whakamana (Empower) Project.

“This is a 15-week programme that supports young people aged 12-21 to enhance their resilience, increase their engagement in education, and facilitate their transition to further training or employment.

“This programme offers early intervention and prevention support focused on enhancing young people’s mental health, identifying their strengths, and setting goals for their future success.”

Horowhenua Learning Centre Trust has also been granted funding for the Roopu Tū Pakari programme.

“This programme will operate in the non-urban, semirural area of Horowhenua. Referrals to the programme will be made by schools, whānau, partner services and agencies.”

Costley said engagement with students aged 12-21 will be for 3-4 hours per week over a 10-week period.

Activities will include equine therapy, high ropes, cooking sessions, card making, journalling, physical activity, connecting to the land, and guest speakers on a range of topics.

The activities will be fun and engaging and will draw on the principles of positive youth development that promote resilience, belonging, self-determination, social and emotional competence, and positive identity development.

Youth Minister Matt Doocey said this targeted support package takes the money out of the Beehive and gets the funding to the grassroots.

“Organisations are doing great work - we just need to make sure they’re financially supported.

“We know that young people have experienced higher levels of anxiety and stress, particularly over the past few years. This funding will support young people to meet and manage these challenges.”