Like you, we want to change the lives of young people who are affected by childhood trauma.

Through no fault of their own, some children experience trauma that will impact the rest of their life. However, here at Springboard we also have the opportunity to impact the young person’s life, and so can you.

Trauma. It’s a word that is thrown about on social media to the point that it’s lost some of its weight.

But for those who carry the weight of trauma in their young lives, the burden is sometimes so heavy they can’t move forward. Things like ongoing emotional neglect, physical or sexual abuse, or witnessing violence in the home may seem like obvious causes, but trauma can be created by many different things.

It could be things like your mum and dad getting a divorce, or the death of a really significant person in your life.

Trauma can leave kids stuck in a place they can’t move on from.

We come around these young people to point the way when it’s too dark to see. We bring hope when everything seems hopeless.

We hold onto hope for them, until they can hold it for themselves.

Our counsellors and family advocates focus on the wellbeing of the young person and their whānau. Our tutors create new ways of engaging and teaching - learning stops when trauma starts.

Our wrap-around style of support means we can continue to engage with a young person for many years, if it’s necessary. We work with children as young as 6, and while it breaks our hearts to hear their stories, it also moves us to stay in their corner, supporting and believing in them.

We work face-to-face with young people who need someone to care, who need someone to understand, people who won’t give up and who will see past their ‘stuff’ to find ways to help.

There is great power in unity. That’s where you come in. That’s why you’re here, too.

Welcome to Springboard. We’re gathering 1000 people like you to help us make a difference. Will you join us?