The Youth Wellness service consists of a multidisciplinary team offering a holistic approach to youth wellbeing. We offer a range of support options for young people aged 10-24 years with mild-moderate mental health difficulties. Check out our support options below!
Counselling Services
People seek counselling for various reasons, whether to address challenges or focus on future goals. When facing distress or confusion, talking to someone can be empowering. At WYT, we offer free counselling for rangatahi and young adults in a supportive, non-judgmental space.
Social Work Services
Social work is a free WYT service and our social worker co-ordinates: referrals/intakes and is responsible for allocating young people to WYT services and programmes; helps rangatahi and their families/whanau navigate complex systems and access resources and support services within the community; co-labs with local agencies to create social change; provides case management, advocacy, MOE school attendance support and Southern Health School assessments.
Groupwork & Adventure Based Support
The modalities of boxing, equine therapy (selected times of the year), mountain biking, and rock climbing are available to any young person accessing Youth Wellness supports. Co-ordinating group activities whether in youth spaces or Queenstown’s great outdoors is everchanging as it relies on identifying and responding to youth and community need. Please see our current programmes for groupwork and adventure based support options.
Youth Mentoring
1:1 mentoring at WYT is free and helps rangatahi make positive life choices and work on goals through a strength based lens with the young persons needs at the center of the programme. This 12 session programme builds trust, encourages self-confidence, and connects youth with reliable adult role models.
Youth Justice Mentoring
The YJ mentoring programme provides a safe and supportive environment for at-risk rangatahi and those engaged with Oranga Tamariki Youth Justice. YJ mentors advocate for and support youth intervention plans that increase self-esteem, provide opportunities for positive social connections, reduce offending, and support re-engagement/transition into education/training/or employment.
Download our Services Brochure
Refer a Young Person
If you would like to refer a young person for support, please email: [email protected] and a member of the Intake Team will be in contact with you.
FAQs:
What if I am a young person, can I get support without parental consent?
If you are a young person 16 years and over, you do not need parental consent to receive support. You can self refer for support.
How can I self-refer?
If you would like to self-refer, you can call, email or send a message on social media requesting for support with details of how to contact you. You can also come to the youth centre and speak to any member of staff about getting help.
How long can I get support for?
WYT staff work within a 12-session framework and can continue to support young people if further support is required. The length of service support depends on the support needs of each young person and is an on-going conversation with the young person.
Will I have to wait for support?
At times WYT may have a waitlist for support and this may depend on what type of service you would like to access. The Intake Team will talk about any waiting time there might be and will explain what happens after the intake conversation.
Is there a cost involved?
These WYT Services are free of charge.