Don’t Reinvent the Texting Wheel says Youthline.

Youth charity Youthline is urging Government to support existing services in response to Lifetxt’s push for $500,000 of Government funding per year for what they claim is “the first text counselling service” for teens.

Youthline have been in operation for nearly 40 years and have provided a youth text service, 0274YOUTHS, since December 2004, allowing young people to text their concerns and be responded to by a trained Youthline counsellor.

Youthline argue Government should support existing services as opposed to developing new ones.

“It seems that we have a habit in this country of reinventing the wheel. Not only does this cost more money in the long run but it seems ridiculous to start something new when a service that is known and utilised by young people already exists,” says Youthline National Spokesperson Stephen Bell.

“And because texting is just one doorway for young people to access help, it is essential that any text service is well connected to other services for those who need more intensive support,” he says.

Youthline’s text service receives up to 50 texts per day from young people. However, young people pay their normal text fee to contact the service because Youthline have not had the funds to offer free texting and have been fundraising to do so.

Bell says that to run Youthline’s text service, including free text access for  young people and a dedicated clinician to support the service, would cost $100 000 per year.

Youthline receives little Government funding for their 24 hour youth helpline or text service.

“If Government is serious about supporting young people via text, then $100 000 into an existing service, which is well connected with young people and within local communities, is a far better investment  and is more likely to be used than starting something from scratch.”

Telecom is donating $250 000 each to four charitable organisations voted by Xtra customers.

Click on http://www.charityvote.co.nz/vote.html  and vote for YOUTHLINE to help young people in Aotearoa

To support youthline directly visit http://www.youthline.co.nz/Donations_291.aspx

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