Tūtaki Youth receive funding from Te Karaka and Tindall Foundation

The team at Tutaki Youth.

Children and young people from Stratford and the wider Central Taranaki district having difficulties will be able to tap into support from Tūtaki Youth this year, thanks in part to funding from Te Karaka Foundation and Tindall Foundation.

"We're thankful that we're able to continue our successful Children and Youth Wellbeing Support Service again this year thanks to the significant contribution from philanthropic funders Te Karaka Foundation and Tindall Foundation," says Tūtaki Funding and Safety Coordinator, Phoebe Hall.

"Through our work in the community, it is evident that the need for this service still exists, so we are thrilled with the financial support we have received from such community-focused organisations," she adds.

"Tindall Foundation, as well as many of our donors, have a passion for helping young people. Supporting Tūtaki Youth to continue to run their youth programme was a natural fit for both funders," says Te Karaka Foundation Chair, Ken Horner.

Last year the Trust worked with 16 young people aged up to 14, including one nine year old who was experiencing difficulties managing their emotions and building positive friendships after witnessing domestic violence at home.

"I really enjoyed working alongside this client using task-centred practice and having their interests incorporated into the activities we completed," says Tūtaki Social Worker for Children and Young People, Sam Haggart.

The child was referred to Tūtaki by family, at the recommendation of the school they were attending, and with family developed a plan to build their self-esteem, manage their emotions, form friendships and be able to look forward to things again.

"I worked with the young person weekly in one-on-one sessions where I supported them, listened and worked through programmes to meet the objectives in their care plan, we even visited the Police Station to help build a positive feeling about the Police and the work they do," says Sam.

The child said they can better manage their own emotions and say how they feel:

"I don't get picked on for crying anymore," the child said.

"I liked how everybody [at Tūtaki Youth] was so friendly and polite. I liked to be able to learn through games and having fun."

As well as distributing funding from Te Karaka's donors, Te Karaka also administers Tindall Foundation funding locally.

Other recipients of this year's Tindall Foundation funding in Taranaki include Taranaki Young People's Trust, The Parenting Place, Taranaki Women's Refuge, Stratford Parents Centre, South Taranaki Whānau Centre and New Plymouth Budget Advisory Service.

For information on funding criteria and how to apply visit tindall.org.nz or email grants@tkf.org.nz. The next round of Tindall Foundation funding closes on 31 August.