Work & Church...

All our youth programmes have come to an end in 2006 – and we look back pleasantly on what has been achieved! My role has changed from a full time youthworker, to a manager and team leader of a youth organisation called Youth Alive Trust. I love my new role, the church, the staff, volunteers and young people we’re involved with. Our staff of 6 have been an excellent team this year and although many of them are going onto new things – we are looking forward to new challenges and what God can do with us in 2007! It’s also by the seaside, so it’s great to have prayer walks down the pier! What do we do? Glad you asked…

Youth Alive Trust was established in 1989 to meet the needs of children and young people in the North, South and Central New Brighton areas. This project has grown and adapted to meet changing community needs and currently we do this through 7 different areas;

1) The Safer Streets Projects. All our after school and evening programmes aimed at different ages, and categories of young people, including Rock Solid (weekly club for intermediate aged young people), Unity East (weekly event for teens, including small groups with leaders), Cheeky Monkeys (weekly club for 5 – 8 year olds), Sodium (monthly events for teenagers) and other clubs depending on staff and volunteers.

2) In-School Programmes. Supporting the students in their classrooms, on lunchtimes, and through extra curricula activities. Offering mentoring, one on one support, sports coaching, leadership training, music lessons and positive role models. In 2006, we have a total of 6 youth workers in North New Brighton, South New Brighton, Central New Brighton and Aranui High School.

3) Library Support
We place youth leaders in New Brighton Library on weekends and in school holidays.

4) Holiday Programmes. The programmes run 4 times a year for two different age categories, 5 – 8’s and 9 – 12’s, every school holidays.

5) Camps. We also take teenagers on trips, camps and weekends away throughout the year, such as Phatcamp, Eastercamp, Harvest and Rock Solid Camp.

6) Community Events. Supporting council events such as the Beach Blast, Skate Jam, All Night Party and other youth initiatives.

7) Youth Leader training and Support. Attracting and training volunteers to work in their community. Placing them on different Safer Street Projects and organising training events throughout the year. We also host Praxis students when possible. In 2006 we are hosting 3 students, offering them experience, support and a structure.