Southland young people will benefit from a $305,000 Government investment in youth development programmes focused on early intervention and prevention support in this province.
“I'm delighted that this substantial youth funding has come to Southland to support local young people.
"These programmes will provide specific support for at-risk youth and will be tailored to our region’s needs, recognising that services are best delivered in the community, by the community.
“Supporting young Southlanders to achieve better life outcomes isn’t just a social investment, it’s also an economic one."
Southland's Miharo Murihiku Trust will receive $140,250, over three years, to operate a ten-month Whakamanahia Te Rangatahi leadership and cultural development programme.
Designed to connect participants to their culture, community, and career pathways through workshops and wellbeing support, this programme is aimed at 14 to 19-year-olds.
The YMCA Invercargill will receive $165,000, over three years, to run the “Y Squads” programme, which consists of two programmed sessions and optional drop-in sessions each week for a minimum of 16 weeks. Activities include career exploration, physical activity, community engagement, and skill development.
“It’s excellent to get this sort of investment from the Government in our province.
“The programmes aim to help young people remain in, or re-engage with, education, develop skills and qualifications which increase their chances of finding a job, and build confidence and resilience.
"These programmes will provide crucial support and direction for youth in Southland, ensuring that they have the choice of a better and brighter future ahead of them.
“This outcome-driven funding from Government will improve at-risk youth’s long-term wellbeing and will reduce long-term costs to the taxpayer, freeing up more resources to invest in other high-priority areas.
“These funds align with the Government’s targets of increasing school attendance and reducing youth unemployment and offending."
This support is part of a package involving 53 organisations across New Zealand who will receive funding to deliver evidence-based programmes supporting at-risk young people, Ms Simmonds said.
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