With support from Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa funding, the Waihōpai Active Rangatahi initiative by Methodist Mission Southern was developed to address gaps in support for young people in their Youth Transition House and Young Mum’s House.

By focusing on physical health, cultural connections, and social bonding, the initiative aimed to help these young individuals recover from homelessness and build self-regulation skills. The programme was co-designed with rangatahi, ensuring it met their needs and interests, and included a variety of activities to broaden their experiences.

The initiative has had a positive impact on the participants, improving their well-being and engagement in education. Looking forward, the mission plans to integrate physical activity into daily routines and continue expanding the programme with further funding.

Methodist Mission Southern Grants and Giving Lead Julie Roberts shared some insights on how the initiative was created and implemented, and what will happen next.

Q: What prompted Methodist Mission Southern to do this initiative? A: The Waihōpai Active Rangatahi Kaupapa was prompted by the need to provide comprehensive support for rangatahi residing in our Youth Transition House (YTH) and Young Mum’s House (WYMTH). We identified gaps in existing provision that left many of these young people without critical supports for their physical health, cultural connections, and social bonding, all essentials for their recovery from the causes of homelessness.

Q: What were the insights which helped you come up with the idea? A: To effectively engage rangatahi, we recognised the necessity of addressing both their physical and mental capacities, ensuring they are supported in all aspects of their well-being. We know from Otago University research that self-regulation is the major contributor to life success, that most of our residents struggle with self-regulation, and that exercise, strong social and cultural connections, all support the development and maintenance of self-regulation.

Q: How did you go about designing the initiative? A: When designing the initiative, we prioritised a co-design approach that centred around the goals and needs of the rangatahi. Working closely with the Mission’s Taituāra a Hāpori, who supports the rangatahi living in the house, we ensured the initiative was both sustainable and empowering. It was crucial rangatahi had agency over their goals, allowing them to choose activities that genuinely resonated with them. For instance, some expressed a desire for equestrian experiences rather than more conventional options like yoga. By listening to their preferences, we created a programme that not only meets their needs but also aligns with their individual interests and aspirations.

Q: What challenges did you have? A: One of the challenges we faced was encouraging funders to recognise the value of ‘non-sport’ activities and their holistic benefits. Activities like walking the dog, blueberry picking, and group outings for confidence and team building might not traditionally be seen as vital, but they have played a crucial role in our approach. Prior to residency in the house, our rangatahi were often isolated and vulnerable, not accustomed to being included in decision-making processes.

The funding enabled us to provide our young mums and their babies with swimming lessons, which are essential life skills, as well as the experience of harvesting their own food through blueberry picking. These activities have not only supported their physical well-being but also fostered a sense of community and self-reliance.

Additionally, one of our residents, who has been learning about her whakapapa, has inspired others to explore their own family histories. Through outings and hikois, she has encouraged

to hear them discuss and share this knowledge, teaching each other things that might have been lost or undiscovered without the supportive environment provided by the house.

Q: How did you find the Tū Manawa application process? A: The Tū Manawa application process was thoughtfully structured and provided a clear framework for presenting our initiative. The detailed guidelines and support offered ensured that we could effectively convey the unique aspects of our service. We found the process to be both thorough and accommodating, allowing us to articulate how our approach aligns with the goals of the Tū Manawa fund. The staff at Active Southland were exceptionally supportive and approachable throughout our application process, making the experience both pleasant and efficient.

Q: What role did Tū Manawa funding play in your initiative? A: We deeply appreciate Active Southland’s Tū Manawa fund for recognising the value in our approach and being willing to support this innovative and unique service. Their willingness to take a chance on a different kind of initiative was invaluable to us and is what has made the difference to the rangatahi residents.

Q: What did you learn before, during and after the initiative? A: The need for flexibility, continuous evaluation and adaptation to meet evolving needs. Open communication and authenticity with our rangatahi.

Q: What sort of impact did you see from the initiative? A: The initiative had a significant impact, transforming the lives of rangatahi from those struggling with disengagement, couch surfing, and survival mode to individuals who are thriving and re-engaging in education. By providing comprehensive support and opportunities for physical activity, cultural connection, and social bonding, we saw a marked improvement in their overall well-being and academic involvement. This positive shift underscores the effectiveness of our approach in fostering resilience and a sense of purpose among the youth.

Q: What’s next? A: Looking ahead, our goal is to integrate physical activity into the daily routines of the house, demonstrating to rangatahi that maintaining an active body is key to fostering a healthy mind, and to experiencing the benefits of self-regulation. By making physical activity a fundamental part of their daily lives, we aim to instil lasting habits that contribute to their overall well-being and resilience.

Looking ahead, we are eager to continue building on the success of this initiative. We plan to apply again in the next funding round to further expand these opportunities, offering more of the same transformative experiences that have proven so valuable in empowering our rangatahi.

Article added: Monday 09 December 2024