Youth connections directory
This topic provides support for Assessment 3.1. In this assessment, you’ll create a directory – a booklet or website – listing resources, people, services, and organisations that are grouped into themes with key information and contact details. You’ll need to provide the name, purpose, address, phone number, social media accounts, and/or website links for each organisation or service.
The purpose of the directory is to provide youth in your community or organisation with contact information on community connections they may find useful. You may also want to include services and organisations that support family, caregivers, or friends of young people.
Task: Read Assessment 3.1
Read over the assessment instructions for Assessment 3.1. Find out what you need to do. After reading the instructions for Task 1, you will understand how to use the rest of the information in this topic.
Why is this a group project?
You do not have to create your directory with a group, but we recommend you do so if you can. Many people taking this Youth Development programme do so with others in their organisation, or they work with similar young people in the same area or region. If you work together to produce a directory, you can share it with other youth workers or with your organisation. It can be something you create for the young people you work with and/or their families.
Because everyone is working in different contexts, many of the planning and design details about who the directory is for, and which entries should be included, are up to the group to decide.
Two heads are better than one. A group project like this means you can work together with others in your organisation or region. You will get different perspectives on what should go into the directory, how it should be organised, and which resources and services should be in it.
The maximum group size is five people.
Planning – Who will use it?
As you’ve seen, Task 1 in Assessment 3.1 gives you the criteria for the completed directory along with some advice about how to approach the project. We recommend you get all the group members together before you start, and have a big brainstorming session.
First group meeting and decisions
The first question you need to ask is: Who are the intended users?
If you can answer this question, it will help guide all the other decisions you make. One way to do this is to draw up a profile or profiles of a typical user. Use this profile to work out what this young person would need in the directory and how you would expect them to use it. You may also use the profile to guide how to make the directory engaging and accessible for your intended user.
Your intended users could be the young people you typically work with, but it might also include others like their friends, parents, other adults in the community, or even others who work with them like teachers, healthcare workers or employers. Exactly who you decide to create the directory for depends on where you are and who you work with.
You might decide to narrow down who the directory is targeted at. For example, your organisation might already have great general resource, but it may not work so well for LGBTQ youth or new migrants from a particular background. Or, it might be that you have great up-to-date accessible information for youth, but you really wish you had something that you could hand out to parents and caregivers.
You might even like to put out your ideas to colleagues or clients to get feedback on what they would like. They may even give you some new or better ideas for the directory. If you or your group are unsure which direction to take, please discuss it with your tutor.
Planning – How will they use it?
Once you have decided who is going to use the directory, you need to think about how they will use it. This has two aspects:
- format – booklet, webpage on your organisation’s website, Facebook page, or your own idea
- organisation of information and content.
You are putting the directory together for a specific group of people. You’ll need to tailor how it functions and what goes in it to suit this group. You should also think about what would help to make it appealing and engaging for this group. For example, will you go with a plain layout for easy reading, or add some colour and a couple of images? Think about who is looking at or using the directory. What will help them to feel that this directory is intended for them?
Knowing the intended user tells you how much information to include, and what to leave out. Because this is a directory, the focus should be on the contact details. At the same time, think about how much explanation your intended user will need to decide if an entry is relevant to their needs or not.
What about accessibility? Are your users struggling readers? Do they have learning or physical disabilities with special requirements? Is English a second language? Have you written everything in plain English? Is it well organised? Is the distinction between the different types of information clear?
A few useful resources include:
Advice for making documents and text easier for people with dyslexia:
Suggestions for making documents more readable for those who are colour blind:
Some useful advice for writing in plain English:
Planning – Find some example directories
Your group might find it useful to see some examples. If you have an idea in your mind about a great way to put the final directory together, see if you can find some similar examples to show the group so they know what you are thinking of.
Here are some examples of directories. They are not all from New Zealand and may be larger than you would want your directory to be. They are NOT a model of what you must do; they are simply here to help spark ideas.
Design a directory that will be relevant for your users and that meets the criteria for the assessment. Only your group can decide who your intended users are and what will be useful and appealing to them. But it can be interesting to see what others do for a directory.
Directory examples:
- Mental Health and Wellbeing for Children and Young People | Trafford Directory, UK
- Emotional Health Directory of Services for Children and Young People in North Somerset | NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, UK
- Resources | LGBTQI+ | Where to find support | Skylight Trust, NZ
- Support Services Directory | Hearts and Minds, NZ
- Family Services Directory, NZ
Planning – Who will do what?
See the Assessment 3.1 instructions for more details on this. Every person in the group is responsible for at least 3–6 entries each. The categories for the entries will be decided by the group.
Each entry in the directory has to include at minimum:
- name of service, connection, or resource
- how to access it – addresses, phone numbers and/or web addresses
- one or two sentences introducing the entry and its benefits.
Every person in the group must also pick up responsibilities for getting the directory completed. Decide as a group who will do what.
Submit this assessment as a group. Task 1 includes the submission of the completed resource, and a group statement of evidence of participation in the project. Please refer to the Assessment 3.1 instructions for more information.
Positive community connections
You may add any of these connections to your directory, provided you tailor the descriptions to suit the needs of your intended users. If you do decide to include any of them in your directory, make sure to check they are active in your area and are suitable for your clients. Hopefully you will find several relevant organisations in the list that follows.
Le Va
Who are they?
Le Va is an organisation that supports Pasifika families and communities, applying traditional values in a safe environment that is relevant and current. They design, develop, and provide evidence-based resources, information, knowledge, tools, and support services. Le Va works alongside those delivering mental health and addictions services, disability services, public health, suicide and violence prevention, primary prevention and general health and wellbeing services.
What do they do?
Le Va work within the Pasifika community providing workforce development, health literacy, best practice, national co-ordination, training and upskilling, organizational development, research, and support services. Watch the video (2:42) to see an overview of Le Va’s work and purpose, and how they support Pasifika youth and communities.1
How can I find them?
Visit their website for more information: Le Va – Igniting communities, creating change
Rainbow Youth
Who are they?
Rainbow Youth are an organisation supporting youth who identify as LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual). Their aim is to foster safe, inclusive, accepting, and diverse environments in sober, family friendly spaces. Their values are to affirm and empower young people from all walks of life to determine their own journey. They are for youth by youth, honour Te Tiriti O Waitangi, and provide strengths-based advocacy.
What do they do?
They provide support for rainbow youth, for whānau and family; this includes gender, sexuality support and housing support for homeless youth. They have drop-in centres, online support services, social groups, and events.
How can I find them?
Visit their website for resources and information on where and how you can access support: Rainbow Youth Support Services, New Zealand
OutLine NZ
Who are they?
OutLine is an all-ages rainbow (LGBTQIA+) mental health organisation that aims to provide support, affirm, and advance the Aotearoa New Zealand rainbow community, their friends, and whānau. They provide programmes catering to social, educational, and emotional needs. They advocate for social, cultural, and legal rights. They aim to nurture the community and provide resources.
What do they do?
OutLine provides a free and confidential 0800 support line for people who want to speak to a volunteer trained counsellor from the rainbow community. They also provide specialist face-to-face counselling and an Auckland-based transgender and non-binary peer support service.
How can I find them?
Outline NZ’s free counselling number is 0800 688 5463 – available every evening from 6pm to 9pm. There is also a website with resources and information on their Auckland-based services: OutLine Aotearoa
Youth Councils
What are they?
A youth council is a formal group or board of young people who provide representation for youth in a community. They facilitate young people’s involvement in local government and decision making.
What do they do?
Youth council participation can include:
- making submissions to the local council or the national government on issues that affect or concern youth in the community
- creating or working on petitions for local council or the national government
- speaking at youth and local council meetings.
How can I find out more?
The Ministry of Youth Development website lists the different youth councils around the country, you can find the one local to you and read more on the Ministry of Youth Development website: Ministry of Youth Development: Youth Councils – Local Government
St John Cadet Programme
Who are they?
St John Cadets are a youth programme for those aged 8 to 18 with a focus on first aid, healthcare, leadership, and general life skills. They operate all around the country.
What do they do?
The programme groups young people by age, interest and ability to provide courses and training workshops, overnight stays and camps, fun days, social functions, competitions, adventure activities, drill and formal ceremonies, travel and operational events alongside St John personnel.
How do I find them?
Visit their website for information about the cadet programme, where your nearest division is, and to download an enrolment form: St John Youth | Cadet Programme
Youthtown
Who are they?
Youthtown is a national, not-for-profit organisation focused on empowering the young people of Aotearoa New Zealand. They work with young people, their whānau, family, schools and community groups.
What do they do?
Youthtown runs programmes and programme spaces around the country for youth aged 5 to 18 to learn life skills, work collaboratively, build resilience and unlock potential. Programmes are delivered before, during and after school (in term time) and in the school holidays. Youthtown also runs events, project groups, workshops, youth hubs, camps and tramps.
How do I find them?
Visit the website to learn more and to locate your nearest Youthtown operator: Youthtown | Programmes & Activities for NZ Kids & Teens
Zeal
Who are they?
Zeal describe themselves as “a family of passionate, creative misfits who dedicate our lives to helping young people discover, develop and express their unique identities, passions and skills”. Their mission is to make transformative spaces and experiences accessible to all young people in Aotearoa.
What do they do?
Zeal provides creative experiences for youth through low-cost programmes, workshops, showcases and events in the creative arts. They also provide online crisis prevention projects and social enterprise projects.
How do I find them?
Visit their website to find the nearest centres or programmes and to learn more: Zeal NZ | The Home Of Young Creatives In Aotearoa
Safe Network
Who are they?
Safe Network focuses on reducing the incidence and effects of harmful sexual behaviour in Aotearoa New Zealand. They are a not-for-profit trust mostly funded by Oranga Tamariki, the Ministry of Social Development, The Ministry of Health, and the Department of Corrections.
What do they do?
Safe Network provides community-based specialist clinical assessments and interventions as well as therapeutic services, education and prevention services in the North Island; working with children and young people who have problematic or concerning sexual behaviours to learn how to express themselves in healthier ways. Safe Network also works with adolescents and adults to address harmful sexual behaviour, particularly towards children. They also offer training and professional consultations.
How can I find out more?
Visit their website for additional information and contact details: Safe Network
Raise Up
Who are they?
Raise Up is the YMCA’s youth development programme for young people aged 12 to 18. It is run by youth for youth and operates all around New Zealand.
What do they do?
Raise Up offers a mix of weekly activities, events, workshops and personal development opportunities that could include music, sport, dance, fashion, art, leadership training, and more. These activities are run by groups of selected young people who represent youth in the local community.
How can I find out more?
Visit their website to find a crew near you and to learn more: Raise Up
Balance is Better
What is it?
Balance is Better is based on an evidence-based philosophy developed by Sport New Zealand to support quality sport experiences for all young people regardless of ability, needs or motivation. Originally developed by the New Zealand sport system, Balance is Better is made up of sport organisations, leaders, administrators, schools, clubs and coaches to bring about the culture change necessary to provide quality sport opportunities for all young people.
What do they do?
Balance is Better provides resources for parents, sports leaders, administrators and coaches on how to make sport a more positive, quality experience for all young people.
How can I find out more?
Visit their website to find resources or how to contact Balance is Better: Balance is Better | The Home of Youth Sport in New Zealand
Canteen
Who are they?
Canteen is an organisation that helps youth between 13 and 24 deal with cancer and its impact on their lives. They support youth through their own cancer, cancer of a family member (such as a parent or sibling) or the loss of someone close to them from cancer.
What do they do?
Canteen offer a range of services that includes events and programmes, individual support through Skype or on the phone, online support through Canteen Connect (an online community of youth experiencing cancer themselves or with a parent or sibling), youth leadership training, workshops, and mentoring.
How can I find out more?
Canteen have an a free to call number: 0800 CANTEEN
You can also e-mail them at info@canteen.org.nz
Or, visit the website for more information and to find Canteen Connect: CanTeen NZ
Spirit of Adventure
What are they?
Spirit of Adventure offers a one-of-a kind youth development environment aboard their ship Spirit of New Zealand, believed to be the busiest youth ship in the world, sailing around ten months of the year.
What do they do?
Spirit of Adventure provides sea voyages for youth in New Zealand. During the voyages they focus on learning teamwork, communication skills, self-reliance, self-discipline, resilience, confidence, and leadership. Watch the video below (2:30) to learn more about the Spirit of Adventure and their youth development programmes.2
How can I find out more?
Visit their website to learn more about the ship and voyages on Spirit of New Zealand, including how to book: Spirit of Adventure Trust | Ignite your Spirit of Adventure
Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Zealand
Who are they?
Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Zealand is part of a worldwide network of volunteers who work in the community and the lives of young people. They operate in 13 countries and have worked with over 280,000 young people. The first mentorship in New Zealand took place in 1997.
What do they do?
Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Zealand provide one-on-one mentorship in a variety of spaces:
- school-based – where the mentor meets with the young person for an hour a week on school grounds
- community-based – in the weekends or after school the mentor spends a few hours a month with the young person; they might visit a park, library, or other free community location
- school-based mentoring – where a high school student is provided with resources to mentor a local primary school student.
One-on-one mentoring is used to improve relationship skills, social awareness, responsible decision-making, self-management, and self-discipline.
How can I find out more?
Visit the website to learn more about the programme in New Zealand and around the world, or to find out how to get involved: Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Zealand
Environment Canterbury Regional Council
Who are they?
The Canterbury Regional Council wanted to make it easier for youth to engage and be educated about their role in building a sustainable future for Canterbury.
What do they do?
The Canterbury Regional Council have programmes and resources developed by a team of educators to align with the New Zealand curriculum so that teachers and other educators can incorporate sustainable thinking and activities into their teaching.
How can I find out more?
Visit their website to find out more about their programmes and youth engagement: Environment Canterbury Regional Council | Youth Engagement
Youth Space Palmerston North
Who are they?
Youth Space Palmerston North is based at the Palmerston North City Library. It provides an inviting hub for teens to find inspiration, be creative, socialise, and equip themselves with the tools and skills to help them live life to the full. It’s a welcoming, safe, free space that young people aged 13–19 can call their own.
This is a good example of a local youth service that provides activities and support for young people in a specific local area. As you build your directory, find out which groups or services are aimed at people living in your town or region.
What do they do?
Youth Space Palmerston North is a hub that provides a range of activities and resources for young people. These include a youth library collection, a youth activist and events group, a local youth council, support with job-hunting, and more.
Watch the video below (2:40) to see a recent collaboration between Youth Space Palmerston North and the Street Prints Youth Mentoring Program3. Street Prints pairs youth aged 14 to 19 with New Zealand and International Street Artists to paint large scale murals and to get involved in art workshops.
How can I find out more?
Visit the Youth Space and Street Prints websites to learn more about their services and programs:
In this section you’ll find information about online groups that support youth development. When you create the list of resources and organisations for your directory, remember to search through some of the large social media platforms to see if there are some relevant online groups that you could include. Here are a few examples.
- St John Youth NZ Facebook page
This page provides updates on youth programmes, functions, and opportunities, links to sign up for youth development programmes, informational videos, contact details, and stories from youth already in the programme. - Trans Wired Facebook group
Trans Wired is a Rainbow Youth online peer support group for youth aged 16–27 who live in Auckland and have questions about gender identity. They may be exploring or already identify as: trans, gender diverse, whakawāhine, tangata ira tāne, FtM, MtF, transsexual, fa’afafine, takatāpui, akava’ine, leiti, trans men, trans women, non-binary, genderqueer, gender-neutral, and other terms or identities.
The purpose of the group is to connect, empower, increase knowledge and understanding about being trans as participants share experiences and recommendations. - Te Ahurei a Rangatahi Facebook page
An organisation for young people aimed at “strengthening rangatahi and whānau to take their space and place in a world of diverse realities”. This facebook page gives updates on youth programmes and provides links to further information, videos and competitions. - TOKO Collaboration Group Facebook page
Toko Collaboration Group is a network of Tongan professionals working alongside various community groups. It was formed in response to high Tongan youth suicide rates in Auckland. The group works with Tongan communities around New Zealand to deliver bilingual youth suicide prevention workshops to Tongan youth and their families. The Facebook page has an e-mail contact, stories, videos and information about youth projects and current events for Tongan youth. - Youth Development Opportunities NZ Facebook group
This Facebook group was set up “specifically to share opportunities that arise for our young people to upskill and develop themselves locally, nationally and globally”. These opportunities could include scholarships, youth summits, NZ delegations abroad, think-tank gatherings, job opportunities, workshops and seminars, development festivals, programmes and courses, conferences, or anything else that could benefit young people across Aotearoa. Young people are encouraged to join. Members are asked to share opportunities they come across. - Youth Nation NZ Facebook page
Youth Nation NZ is the youth branch of Man Up and Legacy Sisterhood, which both address dysfunction and advocate for opening up instead of ‘hardening up’. Youth Nation NZ believes “no young person is beyond the reach of change”. The Facebook page shares updates, events, programmes, videos and messages for youth. - Do Good Feel Good Instagram account
Do Good Feel Good is about “Young people leading social change in South Auckland.” Their Instagram account posts campaign updates, photos of community members, events and videos about the group.
More online resources and communities
- Good2Great App – Youthline
Good2Great is an app that walks users through challenging situations in which the user learns about how to manage stress, listen, stand up for themselves and their friends, and how to take charge of their thoughts, feelings, and actions. It also includes information on self-care and goal setting. You can download Good2Great at Apple or the Google Play Store. - Advice Hub – Youthline
This is an online resource with links to pages related to specific concerns that many young people have. There are sections on Body, Mind, Social and Beyond. -
I'm Local Project RainbowYOUTH
This is a project by RainbowYOUTH that reaches out to high schools, medical centres, hospitals, libraries, marae, and community centres in more rural or isolated areas of New Zealand to supply them with resources about gender and sexuality. The website also provides a lot of information about being queer and gender diverse, and a map of New Zealand showing where you can locate nearby support services and groups.
Use the advice and resources in this topic to help you complete the connections directory in Assessment 3.1 Task 1.
