Youth Week: 19 - 27 May

18 May 2012

National Youth Week this year runs from 19 – 27 May and the theme is Love the Skin you're In!

Youth Week isn’t just about celebrating our young people, it is also about encouraging adults to engage with young people, be positive role models, and support young people to be the best they can be.

Youth Week recognises the amazing contributions and achievements of New Zealand’s youth, and the positive impact adults can have on young people. Supportive, positive relationships hold a significant role in both the lives of young people and adults.

The Taranaki DHB Public Health Unit is involved with fun, educational and free events in South Taranaki for Youth Week.

To kick start the week they held a movie night on Wednesday 16 May, at Patea Youth Trust Whare Pukeko Hall. This was a prequel to their main event “Not Even” which is to be held at Patea Area School on Wednesday, 23 May, from 6.30 to 9.30pm.

TDHB Health Promoter Jason Matthews says “Not Even” is an evening for young people of about 12 to 15 years of age living in South Taranaki and their parents.

“The aim of the night is to help young people and their parents develop strategies to communicate effectively about things that are important to them such as alcohol and drug issues, using a positive and supportive environment,” said Mr Matthews.

“The event will showcase a number of young people from the local community including musicians, and motivational speakers and celebrates the positive contribution youth make to the community.”

‘Not Even’ is a collaborative project lead by Taranaki District Health Board, Public Health Unit and supported by Patea Youth Trust , Patea Pride Sports Club Inc, Te Runanga o Ngati Ruanui, Patea Area School, Te Korimako radio station and South Taranaki Youth.

The Public Health Unit is also involved in activities at Patea Area School and Opunake High School during Youth Week. On Monday, 21 May, a “Sounds Session and Sausage Sizzle” is being held during lunch at Patea Area School and Opunake High School is running a Youth Week competition between students.

Throughout the rest of the week Opunake High School is holding fun events and activities including a crazy dress up day and Zumba Party. Opunake High School activities are being led by the School’s Student Council and the Hauora Rangatahi Public Health Unit team are sponsoring those activities and building in key youth health messages.

To finish off Youth Week a Talent Quest is being held in the Manaia Town Hall on Saturday 26 May hosted by Nga Ruahine.

For more information about Youth Week across New Zealand visit www.arataiohi.org.nz/YouthWeek

Last updated: Friday, May 18, 2012