The Whanganui Youth Wellbeing Collective, composed of local organisations dedicated to working with rangatahi/youth, gathered yesterday, continuing their long-standing tradition of networking, sharing kōrero, learnings, and kai. This collaborative effort has truly demonstrated that many hands make light work.
The Collective has been meeting in various organisational spaces, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas, experiences, and learnings are exchanged. For the remainder of the year, these bi-monthly gatherings will be hosted at Te Oranganui, providing a consistent venue for ongoing collaboration.
For those of us within Healthy Families Whanganui, Rangitīkei, Ruapehu, the potential for movement within the Collective is immense. Looking ahead, our focus will be on strengthening collaboration by deepening partnerships between organisations, enhancing our ability to provide comprehensive support to rangatahi. By working closely together, we can address a wider range of needs within Whanganui.
We caught up with new facilitators for the Youth Wellbeing Collective, who shared their insights: “It is the only space where you'll find youth services all in one area.” When asked how this collective could benefit their work with rangatahi, they responded,
“To expect our service providers to do it all is next to impossible. They can't be social workers and a nurse and a parent and a budgeting advisor. So if we can find those things that other people can input into our young people, many hands will make light work.”
Our whanaungatanga with other services has helped us engage rangatahi in prototype initiatives like Te Hoeroa ki Tū Manawa Ora and Te Kakano, as well as in co-designing prevention solutions towards a healthy future.
By harnessing our collective energy and commitment, the Whanganui Youth Wellbeing Collective is poised to drive significant positive change for the youth in Whanganui. Together, we will continue to work, support one another, and inspire the community with our shared vision of seeing our rangatahi live out a life that is well.
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