Youthline

Youthline is the first point of entry for young people in New Zealand to access a wide range of youth development and support services in 10 centres across the country.

Youthline has been supporting young people since 1970, through their well known Youth Helpline which provides 24/7 support throughout New Zealand. Youthline receives over 100 000 calls per year and responds to thousands of text and email messages from young people seeking help.

And Youthline is so much more than a helpline, offering a huge range of online services through www.youthline.co.nz and their youth information site, www.urge.co.nz. Together these receive over 120 000 visits per year and provide up to date, relevant information for young people and parents.

Youthline's online membership is a vibrant virtual community of over 700 members who receive regular information, participate in events and research and can become Youthline ambassadors in their local communities.

Youthline also has a dedicated email service for parents, providing support from qualified counsellors with parenting experience. Alongside this a parenting pack contains valuable information and tips to encourage positive parenting.

You will also find Youthline out and about in the community, providing information at local events and delivering over 400 seminars in schools across the country about youth issues and how to seek support. Youthline offer a range of information sheets about youth issues, such as grief, depression, stress, exams and self esteem.

Youthline have dedicated youth workers, connecting with young people in the community and providing development programmes for young leaders or those who are at risk. The largest centre in Auckland provides face to face counselling, family therapy, pregnancy counselling and an Alternative Education School for young people excluded from mainstream schooling.

Youthline also provides professional level training for its 1000 volunteers throughout New Zealand. Many professionals in the youth work or counselling fields began their careers at Youthline.

Youthline receives little government funding and relies heavily on sponsorship, grants and donations to make over 400 000 people contacts every year. By choosing to support Youthline you will be helping to make a difference to the lives of thousands of young New Zealanders.