Giving Golden Bay youth a place in the community

Youth in Golden Bay now have a place to call their own, and it has been a huge success.

The Golden Bay Youth Habitat was launched in early 2022 and since then the team has developed a youth-friendly space that was co-designed by local youth.

“Community youth was a subject that kept coming up in the community,” says Golden Bay Workcentre Trust manager Cait Tomlinson.

“In late 2021 we were fortunate to receive 12 months of seed funding from a private donor which allowed us to create and staff a youth space here in Golden Bay.”

Youth participated in the layout of the space, including a large mural that was painted by them.

“We sought their feedback on the resources for the space and we ran a name competition for the space, the winner being the ‘Youth Habitat,’” says Cait.

“We actively engage with youth on all matters relating to their space and their voice has been prevalent in the planning of activities and events, down to the types of kai we have on offer.”

Youth worker Lisa Bradbury says the Habitat has been “incredibly successful” so far.

“Our busiest days are Wednesdays and Thursdays when we hold Dungeons and Dragons groups. We offer fortnightly smoothie mornings which works with the late start Wednesday at Golden Bay High School, and we always have food on offer for the youth to help themselves too - a lot of it is donated by one of our local cafes, which is amazing.”

Other initiatives at Habitat include a Red Cross youth-based first aid course, and youth yoga, as well as resources and links to mental health services and information.

Karen Howieson joined the team in May and brought with her over 30 years of counselling experience.

“My role is really suited to me as I am passionate about making a difference and walking alongside young people,” she says.

“It also means that I get to be part of something grassroots, with young people taking the reins while we support them to participate in activities and programmes.”

Cait says they are looking for some volunteers to help with driving youth to and from activities.

“Picking up youth from Collingwood, and other areas further away, so that they can be included is an area we need support with. We have our own van we just need the volunteer drivers.”

Lisa says new youth are welcome to attend any of the sessions.

“Just turn up, or if you prefer, message us on Facebook. Come hang out have some kai and a chat, we would love to connect with you.”