All rangatahi deserve someone standing in their corner, believing in them and championing them to a bright future. Unfortunately not all rangatahi have that. For some, finding their place and keeping hope alive is a real challenge.
For over 20 years we have been supporting young people, with the vision of a safe and thriving community for everyone.
Anchored by our faith in God, and led by our values, we believe that every young person has great potential and wonderful gifts, and we have the privilege of playing a part in drawing those gifts out.
We are part of a network supporting young people to find success. Alongside schools, police, businesses and community we mentor young people through arguably the toughest transitional stage of their lives: teenage years to adulthood.
Our young people are the heroes, brave and capable. Until they are in a place to acknowledge that for themselves, we walk with them, championing and challenging them to be the best version of themselves that they can be.
At Springboard, we believe that every young person needs a place to be and a place to go.
We create an environment that reflects whānau, a place where our rangatahi can just be. Be themselves, be loved, belong. A place where they feel safe, seen and heard. A place where they can be vulnerable and not be judged. A place where they can be encouraged and challenged.
When our rangatahi understand they have a place to be, and as they learn new skills and discover their purpose, they find the freedom to start dreaming of the places they can go.
Our programmes are simply ways for us to engage with young people, whānau and the community. At the core of everything we do is mentoring; we walk and work with young people on their hīkoi at 4 different stages: Prevention, Intervention, Transition & Wellbeing.
Through our programmes we provide support to navigate both the external and the internal challenges that young people face to keep moving forward on their journey. These programmes include:
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Community Mentoring:
Young people shine when they have caring adults in their world. We match each young person (9-13 years) with a community volunteer who walks alongside them for 2 hours per week over 12 months. This programme is run with support from Upside Youth Mentoring.Please connect with us if you would like know more about volunteering as a Springboard mentor.
Young people usually access our mentoring programme by referral through their school.
Youth Justice Mentoring:
Our Go180 Programme helps young people engage with their responsibilities following involvement with Youth Justice. We focus on finding positive pathways forward. Young people are connected with us via the Police and Oranga Tamariki. -
Practical. Creative. Physical. Adventurous. Impact runs during school term time, following typical school hours. What is not typical is our style of education.
Creating a strong relational culture, our tutors work closely with our young people (13-15years), engaging them in a wide range of activities aimed to help them learn to make positive choices. Our learning activities give our young people a sense of pride and accomplishment.
We teach our young people soft skills, such as engaging in routines, following instructions, interacting with others in a positive way and contributing to positive environments. We place a high value on creating opportunities for our young people to set and achieve goals.
We collaborate with local organisations to see our young people achieve a Duke of Edinburgh award, and NCEA Level 1 credits in foundational skills such as literacy and numeracy.
Access to Impact Alternative Education is facilitated through the young person’s college. Please speak directly to your college for a referral.
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Youth Payment (YP)
We engage with and support eligible 16-20year olds who are no longer living at home due to break down within the home. We support the young person to achieve improved wellbeing through sustained education, training & employment outcomes, and to meet the obligations associated with MSD’s financial support.Young Parent Payment (YPP)
We support young parents (16-20years) to achieve education, training and employment outcomes for a brighter future for them and their child.
We also support them to meet their obligations that come with receiving MSD’s financial support.
Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET)
Our youth coaches work with eligible 16-17 year olds, supporting them to engage in education, employment or training.
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This 8-week programme helps young people step confidently into employment.
We spend time identifying skills and areas for growth with our 18-24 year olds. We teach interview skills, CV development and general skills to support the job application process.
We involve A Mua Ake clients in work experience opportunities as they arise, in areas including construction, farming, hospitality, tourism and animal care. These opportunities assist in building an attractive CV and increasing employment options.
Once successful in a work placement, we continue to mentor the young person in their work for a further 6 months as they adjust to working life.
A Mua Ake is usually a referral-based program via Ministry of Social Development.
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Get your Learner, Restricted or Full Licence with our friendly, professional Driving Academy team. We create a no-pressure environment to help you achieve positive outcomes in your driving journey.
Some criteria applies. Complete the application form and we’ll contact you regarding your eligibility.
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We support young people to thrive by giving them the tools and confidence to work through their challenges. Our professional team are well equipped to engage young people and their whānau with holistic support and advocacy.
This is a free service.
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We also work in our local schools in many different capacities, providing support to students within our schools. Our support includes Social Workers in Schools (SWiS), Boxing programmes to develop discipline and resilience, and the P-Project/Not Even Once (a programme educating teenagers about the dangers of methamphetamine).
For questions about this support, please contact your school directly.
The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be ignited.
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Plutarch
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The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be ignited. ~ Plutarch ~
Kirsty Kovacs
Executive Director, Kennards Hire Foundation