YouthGrow, growing our youth through alternative education pathways

The past year has seen some changes in the YouthGrow team. Change has been something of a continuous theme over the last couple of years from the days of YouthGrow being synonymous with the Garden Centre and the horticulture operations, much has changed.

For over 20 years the Family Works Youth Development Programme had been anchored in horticulture, providing a context for work experiences and involvement in the day-to-day operation of a working nursery which supported ‘work-readiness’ alongside the pastoral care element of ‘life-readiness’.

Come April this year the YouthGrow Youth Development Programme will be celebrating two years of our partnership with Flagstaff Community Church, since relocating here after the Norwood Garden Centre site was sold in 2023. Out of the uncertainty, a new opportunity emerged, and the flourishing partnership has been a true blessing. The site in Centennial Ave has provided us with a great, fit-for-purpose space allowing the Youth Development Programme to re-define itself. As we look to the year ahead, we feel optimistic that the YouthGrow vision remains relevant: helping rangatahi build on their strengths, grow in confidence and gain useful skills that will see them succeed in life, learning and employment.

We operate a day programme catering to rangatahi aged 14 - 24 years. Participants may be struggling with their mental health in some way, or may be disengaged from education. We offer them a safe space and a structured programme that recognises their strengths, seeks to uphold and enhance their mana, and provides support to develop positive, pro-social relationships and behaviours helping them to re-engage in opportunities and find hope. Our Youth Worker team work alongside our young people, modelling positive, respectful relationships. They help them identify goals and learn skills and strategies for managing conflicts, communicating effectively and readying themselves for life.

We have recently welcomed Clare Ennis to the team as our Programme Lead. Late last year we also welcomed Patrick Frame to the Youth Worker team. Both bring significant strengths and qualities to the YouthGrow kaupapa and we feel fortunate to have them join us. Both have been fully engaged in our Summer Programme, providing fun and adventurous day trips for those in our programme who want to participate. These have included kayaking and boogie boarding at Karitane, biscuiting on Lake Waihola, swimming at Outram Glen, riding some of the rail trail, water sliding, flying fox and confidence courses at Berwick, to name a few. Our focus, aside from fun, is to support and sustain social connection with them, and to develop inter-personal skills and engagement. All wholesome youth development outcomes!

Change is a constant and inevitable part of life and it can test our resilience. Often the challenges it presents provide positive growth opportunities. At YouthGrow we ‘grow youth’. Our focus is dedicated to youth development and fulfilling our vision. While we no longer focus on horticulture, we still endeavour to provide a ‘life-ready’ programme that encourages growth and personal development, strengthens the sense of identity and belonging of our young people, and helps enable them to move ahead positively in their lives.

David Pirie, YouthGrow Manager

YouthGrow students at the YouthGrow Summer Programme, with YouthGrow Youth Worker Patrick Frame

Welcome Clare

Kia ora, I’m Clare Ennis, the new Programme Lead at YouthGrow. I’m a Social Worker with a background in Youthwork. I am passionate about working with young people, supporting them through the challenges and opportunities for growth that come with being a teenager and young adult.

I was born in England and came to New Zealand when my family emigrated in 2008, settling in the Waikato. Since then, I’ve spent time overseas before working in Youthwork in Wellington. My partner and I came to Dunedin three years ago, and now we very much call Dunedin home and love this city.

I am excited to work with the awesome team and group of young people at YouthGrow and be a part of shaping YouthGrow’s programme and practice.

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