Youth hub takes shape

Friday, 11 August 2023

Dame Sue Bagshaw joins a handful of Christchurch youth taking action to raise awareness of, and fundraise for the under-construction Christchurch Youth Hub.

An estimated 10,000 school students will take part in a campaign today to raise awareness and cash for the Christchurch Youth Hub.

The students are taking part in a non-uniform day on what is International Youth Day, in support of the $36 million facility now under construction in Salisbury St.

The first stage of the project, expected to cost $20m, is well underway and due to be finished in mid-2024.

This stage includes the construction of a wing to provide accommodation for up to 23 young people, for up to 18 months. It will also see the opening of an office block for the many youth organisations which will be located on site. These include Te Tahi Youth, Youthline, Qtopia, Community Law, Voyce, Te Kura, Catapult Employment Services, and People First NZ.

The Youth Hub is being funded by a range of organisations including Anglican Care, the Rātā Foundation and Wayne Francis Charitable Trust, and government funding from the Covid19 “shovel ready” grants.

However, this funding does not cover the fit-out of the facility, so donations are needed to help furnish the bedrooms, shared spaces and offices.

The second stage of the Salisbury St development will see the construction of five apartments, each with 3-4 bedrooms, and a community centre with spaces for recreation, training and creativity. It is expected to cost about $16.7m.

Youth Hub Christchurch aims to provide a wide range of supports to improve the mental health of young people and once open, expects to deliver up to 8000 youth appointments every year.

Dame Sue Bagshaw, pictured on the Youth Hub site in May 2023, hopes young people will feel a sense of ownership for the project through their fundraising efforts.

Schools participating in today’s fundraiser include: Ao Tawhite, Burnside High, Christ’s College, Christchurch Girls’ High, Hagley College,Hornby High, Marian College, Christchurch Adventist School and Te Aratai.