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Youth Service (MSD)
Life can sometimes be pretty complicated. Youth Service is a way to support young people facing a range of difficult circumstances, to overcome obstacles, build confidence and discover their full potential.
This programme is for youth who are:
- 16 – 18 and can’t live with their parents or guardians.
- 16 – 19 and are the main caregiver for a child.
- 16 – 18 and have left/planning to leave school early without a clear pathway forward.
Each of the young people enrolled in Youth Service have their own youth coach who works individually with them to develop a tailor-made plan. This may include helping them find training opportunities, work experience, employment and/or further education. The coaches also help with housing, life-skills, personal development, and relationship/whānau issues. We provide free driver licencing, budgeting and parenting courses for these young people.
We have a network of contacts to help young people find their place in the community. If you are a local business and would like to discuss how you can support us in this way, please get in touch.
“I continue to be impressed with the calibre of the Outwest youth workers. In addition to mentoring students, they visit young people in their homes, run workshops and provide fun and educational activities for students at school, as well as those who have left.”
– Steve McCracken, PrincipalStories
Communication Unlocked: Tim’s Transformation Through Alternative Education and Technology
In the midst of school dropouts and a global pandemic, Tim found a lifeline in alternative education and a simple phone. Discover how this one device transformed his educational journey and rekindled his family connections.…
Beating the Odds: A Triumph on the Road to Adulthood
When life throws curveballs, it’s easy to strike out. But one of our Youth Service clients showed us what true resilience looks like. Despite a mountain of setbacks—from COVID to family issues and ID hurdles—this young Kiwi was laser-focused on one goal:…
Accelerating Youth Empowerment: How Outwest Youth Drives Success on the Road and Beyond
At Outwest Youth, we believe in giving young people the tools they need to navigate life—sometimes quite literally. We recently caught up with three young individuals who completed our Learner Licence course to hear about their experiences and the impact it has…Cracking Good Fun: 24-7 YouthWork’s School-Wide Easter Scavenger Hunt
Keen to end the school term on a high note, our 24-7 team put their heads together with some innovative teachers and hatched a plan: an Easter Scavenger Hunt. Thanks to a generous donation of chocolate eggs from OWY, the stage was…The Journey with 24-7 YouthWork: A Trek of Transformation
Embarking on a 10-day adventure, Year 10 students aren’t just traversing through rugged terrains on bikes, kayaks, and tramping boots—they’re navigating their way through the complexities of friendship, self-discovery, and personal growth. This excursion, aptly named ‘THE JOURNEY,’ is a cornerstone of…
From Struggles to Success: The Inspiring Journey of James
James (not his real name) was a Youth Service client for two years. When he first enrolled he had a complex array of mental health, family and anger issues which the school social worker was very concerned about. In addition, James struggled…
The Transformational Journey of Nikora, A Youth Mentoring Success Story
Nikora (not his real name) had always shown potential, but like many young people, he faced challenges that could either make or break his future. The key to unlocking his full potential was a strong mentoring relationship, a cornerstone initiative at Outwest…Alternative Education Spotlight: Empowering Financial Independence Through Budgeting Tools
Financial literacy is an essential skill, often overlooked in traditional educational settings. Recognising the need to empower young people with the ability to manage their money wisely, Outwest Youth, in collaboration with a local budgeting advisor, recently wrapped up another successful three-day…
Breaking Through Anxiety: David’s Journey to Personal Growth and Success
“David (not his real name) suffered from anxiety and stopped attending school. He lost motivation and would stay at home and even lock himself in his bedroom to avoid seeing people who were trying to support him. He was enrolled in Alternative Education…Milestones and Mahi: Celebrating Alternative Education Graduations
Big moments deserve big recognition. That’s why graduations at Outwest Youth’s Alternative Education programme are not just a ceremony but a celebration of resilience, dedication, and hard-won victories. Our graduates have journeyed long, earning their NCEA Literacy and Numeracy credits, gaining invaluable…
