Funding for Youth One-Stop Shops

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May, 15, 2014

Funding for Youth One-Stop Shops

Wellington, New Zealand – May, 15, 2014

News in today’s Budget that the Youth One Stop Shops will receive an additional $8.6 million is welcomed by the youth sector. The funding will enable the Youth One-Stop Shops to provide social support for young people for the next four years, and help ensure their sustainability.

Youth One-Stop Shops provide an invaluable service for young people in Aotearoa New Zealand, including health care (sexual, mental and general), counselling, youth development (including activities and events) and social support services all under one roof.

Social support needs met by Youth One-Stop Shops look at the bigger picture surrounding young people and their health. Support such as helping young people find employment opportunities and accommodation.

Sonya Hogan, EO of Ara Taiohi acknowledges “This funding is encouraging news especially in light of today’s World Health Organisation report – ‘Health for the World’s Adolescents: A second chance in the second decade’. The report highlights that social support is a key factor in the health of young people.”

The report suggests 10 key actions for health sector to maintain and improve the health of young people, many of which Youth One-Stop Shops already fulfil. Such as; understanding adolescent health is essential to public health; strengthening advocacy for youth health; involving young people and maintaining a positive perspective to them; and working with other sectors to improve the health of young people.

This funding provides important ongoing support to Youth One Stop Shops and is key for continuing their work to improve young people’s health and wellbeing.

About Ara Taiohi
Ara Taiohi is the peak body for the youth sector and has been set up to support people working with young people to be more connected, effective and accountable. Many of New Zealand’s Youth One Stop Shops are members of Ara Taiohi. www.arataiohi.org.nz

### ENDS ###

© Scoop Media