To protect our kids, all names in our stories are changed and photos are unrelated to stories.
Nathan’s story
Before I started A Mua Ake [8-week MSD employment programme], I found myself devoid of motivation, reluctant to leave my home or seek employment.
After completing my schooling I briefly pursued acting, but the high fuel cost led me to abandon it. This decision left me in a state of disinterest and I confined myself to my home. I spent three months playing video games and only engaging with people online.
A Mua Ake prompted me to explore possibilities. I gave it a chance, hoping it would re-spark my motivation, socialisation and help me to break out of these bad habits I had created.
Over the course I gradually established a consistent sleeping pattern which prevented me from sleeping my days away.
Simultaneously I uncovered valuable insights about myself that I think will help guide my future career choices. Springboard helped me apply for a job in Warkworth where I felt an instant connection and this close knit group have become my second family.
I am now working full time. This new job has given me a reason to wake up every day.
Ilaynah’s story
Growing up I didn’t have much stability. I was constantly moving house and changing schools. I was always attempting to make new friends, but was often bullied because I was the new girl.
My mum has really bad mental health issues and though I know she tried really hard to be there for me, we were eventually placed in my father’s care. Living with mum we often went without food or a warm place to stay.
Since staying with my dad I have experienced a greater sense of safety. Coping with anxiety and depression, my educational journey came with challenges that sometimes meant I was misinterpreted or misunderstood. I got expelled from school and was given the chance to attend Impact alternative education at Springboard.
Springboard entered my life when I wasn’t even aware of the help I needed. They’ve become my second family, teaching me valuable lessons in respect, kindness, gratitude and essential skills that I will use for the rest of my life.
Springboard have supported me and my whānau and have had an impact on my life I will remember forever.
Desiree’s story
Growing up I was always bullied and endured mental, verbal, physical and emotional abuse.
My father was really strict and my mother struggled with alcoholism. I watched my mum and my brothers get abused which resulted in my brother becoming violent towards me. At the time I had horrible friends who bullied me. This led to attendance problems at school and a sense of isolation everywhere I went.
I felt as if I didn’t fit in at home or at school. I turned to unhealthy coping habits.
At the age of 11 I was already suffering from depression and felt as if I had no purpose. I turned into someone I didn’t recognise. I felt as if everything was always my fault and I would always get the blame.
My attendance got worse at school. I frequently clashed with teachers. I got into multiple fights with my peers.
I was referred to Springboard’s alternative education programme.
Everyone at Springboard accepts me for who I am. I have created some really beautiful friendships here and have started to learn how to love myself.
The tutors here are so different from the school teachers and I feel a massive shift in my mindset. I’m so grateful for this new chapter that I am able to create for myself.
Jarred’s story
After attending only 2 days of Term 1 in Year 10 at school, Jarred was suspended and ultimately expelled.
He got caught up in crime, which resulted in being referred to our Youth Justice Programme. He connected with us but failed to complete the programme. He was heavily addicted to marijuana, remaining high all day, every day.
“Marijuana took priority over everything in my life. It was all I wanted to do, all I was thinking about.”
One day he decided he had to change. He came to Springboard and enrolled in our alternative education programme to achieve NCEA Level 1.
“I practically turned up every day, more than I ever went to school, so that’s saying something.”
Jarred struggled to come off drugs, however he worked hard and applied himself with the support of Springboard staff. “The tutors were not just ‘tutoring’. They were friends, people who supported me and wanted to see me succeed.”
After 6 weeks of being drug free, Jared finally felt awake. “I have energy to do stuff, I have more motivation. It’s pretty mean being off it. I don’t want to be like that again. You’re not good for the people around you.”
“This place had a big impact, helping me develop and realise things. If I didn’t have Springboard I probably would have been doing a lot of other dumb stuff. I am blown away with who I have become.”
Jarred achieved his NCEA Level 1 and is now working in forestry.
Connor’s Story
I would say I had a stable upbringing. As most parents do, my parents had their disagreements but nothing out of the ordinary. My dad often worked away from home and I now see how much of a strain that put on my mum, looking after me by herself.
Eventually the disagreements got worse and my parents separated. My dad still worked away from home so I was often left looking after my mum who turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with the pain.
My mum got a new boyfriend and developed an addiction to drugs. Ultimately, she chose them over me.
I felt immense resentment towards my mum, overwhelmed by pain and anger. I had no proper home, no safe place and a mother who chose drugs over me. At that point I turned to drugs and alcohol myself. I disengaged from school and got in trouble with the law.
I struggled in the classroom. I struggled to ask for help. I channelled my frustration in negative ways. I got in altercations with my peers and my teachers.
Springboard gave me a sense of belonging, a safe place and has showed me that I am worthy of being loved. I learned that I’m more than I thought I was. I believe in myself. I learned to channel my emotions in a healthy, positive way.
I earned a Duke of Edinburgh award and I’m now in full-time employment.