YOUTH HUB
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Youth Hub Christchurch is the first of its kind in New Zealand and is designed to provide everything Christchurch’s young people aged 10-25 need to improve and maintain their mental health.
The Hub is located right in the heart of Christchurch City. Stage One, which includes a supported housing wing for 22 young people, an outdoor activities courtyard and a wraparound services block for youth service providers (including Te Tahi Youth, Youthline and VOYCE Whakarongo Mai) will open between November 2024 and February 2025. Funding for a multi-purpose Events Centre has recently been secured and construction will begin in 2025.
What sets the Youth Hub apart is its supported housing facilities. Once complete, these will provide accommodation for up to 40 young people aged between 16 and 24 for as long as 18 months. During this time, they will be assisted with their health, employment, catch-up education and given the vital support they need to transition into independent living.
THE NEED
It’s been a tough few years for Christchurch’s young people with the earthquakes, mosque shootings and COVID-19 pandemic. These events are hard on all young people but are often crippling for those already suffering adversity.
Youth Hub Christchurch aims to break this cycle by enabling all young people in Ōtautahi the opportunity to lead healthy, safe and valued lives, fulfilling their potential and vibrantly contributing to their community.
The most recent set of youth health statistics also show a deterioration in the mental health and wellbeing of our young people:
One in five high school students could not see a health professional when needed.
21% reported high or very high levels of psychological distress.
26% rated themselves as having poor overall mental wellbeing.
40% of 18-34-year-olds say they have seriously considered suicide or self-harm in the past year.
New Zealand has the second highest 15-19-year-old suicide rate in the OECD.
“I used the original 198 Youth One Stop Shop as a teenager, and as well as appreciating the supportive and non-judgemental help that was available to me then.
I have also seen the importance and value of providing support to young people to help them find their path and get the support they need as easily as possible, and the difference it can make in all aspects of their lives. The incredible vision of Sue and the team to create this extraordinary new wraparound facility is going to help many more rangatahi find their way.”
- Youth Hub donor