Online tool to tackle youth concerns

A new website for Western Bay community groups and businesses is being developed to tackle youth issues in the region.

The New Zeal Foundation, which runs leadership courses for youth, teamed up with Totali to develop an interactive website for greater interaction between youth organisations, community groups and business leaders in the Western Bay.

The website, called common unity, was one of the initiatives discussed at a workshop designed to address the issues facing youth.

More than 100 people across a variety of sectors throughout the Western Bay of Plenty attended the workshop on August 3.

Nari Hann of New Zeal, spokesperson for sponsor Doug Owens and organiser Peter Wyatt, said the overwhelming message gained from the workshop was businesses wanted to help community groups but didn't know how to get involved.

 "The idea of this website is so community organisations and businesses will have a medium that they can both access to communicate what their needs are and in what way businesses are able to help. This was one of the biggest outcomes from all the workshop groups. We are hoping to roll out a trial of the website within the next month."

Following the workshop, Becks Watts from Merivale Community Centre has facilitated a youth network meeting called the Tauranga Youth Development Team.

Ms Watts said the meetings would be supportive and informative, and would be a chance for young people in the community to voice their thoughts on issues in the Western Bay. The first meeting will be held from 4-5.30pm on September 14 and youth aged 11-24 were invited.

An informal meeting for youth organisations and business leaders will be hosted each month at the Mount Maunganui Surf Club. The first meeting will be held from 4-5pm on September 6. If you would like to attend the Tauranga Youth Development Team meeting, email Becks on becks@merivale.org.nz, or if you would like to be a part of the Mount Maunganui Surf Club informal meetings, phone Leigh on 021626170.

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