YOUTHTOWN

For release: 24th September 2007

Auckland Youth Organisation Poised for National Role

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A leading Auckland not-for-profit Youth organisation is poised to establish itself nationwide, offering young people exciting, challenging and enjoyable alternatives to boredom, apathy and crime.

Youthtown is to commence its first long-term commitment outside Auckland on Monday 8th October, with the launch of an 'After School' activities programme in Upper Hutt.

Involvement elsewhere in the Wellington region is anticipated shortly. The organisation is also discussing options with other local authorities throughout New Zealand, with a view to establishing more Youthtown branches and activities next year.

"Youthtown offers young people the widest possible choice of sports, games, outdoor adventure and cultural and social activities, helping them grow into the self-confident, well-rounded adults we need to take our country forward," says Executive Director, Keith Thorpe.

"It's very gratifying that our approach is sparking interest beyond our home turf. But it's not surprising, as young people around New Zealand have very similar needs, with enjoyable and accessible activities way up on the list of priorities. As far as Upper Hutt is concerned, the City Council's own research points firmly in that direction.

"Another constant factor is the concern parents feel over what happens to their children, when school is shut. Long working hours are a reality for many parents and it's not always possible for them to be with their kids. If we want safer, happier communities, with less youth offending, organisations such as Youthtown need to be there for our young people," he adds.

Youthtown's involvement in Upper Hutt will involve running both After School and School Holiday programmes, using facilities provided by the City Council, under its Active Recreation Programme. In addition, Youthtown is to take its expertise into schools, with coaching in basketball and other sports.

"Interest in our initial After School programme is high and it seems likely that the programme will be fully subscribed by the time it commences on 8th October. A significant factor appears to be our ability to transport young people daily from local schools to our facility at the Maidstone Park Pavilion," says Youthtown Upper Hutt's Development Officer Jaime Southey.

"Parents also seem impressed by the breadth of our approach and by the 'Homework Contracts' that we encourage young people to agree and keep to. We want them to enjoy their time with us but that shouldn't exclude study.

"As Upper Hutt is well-endowed with reserves and open spaces, we expect to add a significant outdoor adventure component to our initial mix of sport, games, art and cooking sessions," she says.

Youthtown will be heralding its Wellington region start-up on Saturday 29th September, with a 'Family Fun Day Out', held in conjunction with the Upper Hutt Sports Expo and featuring the band 'Spacifix'. In early December, the organisation is to celebrate its 75th anniversary with 'Alive at 75', a four day festival in Auckland.

ENDS

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