He Poutama Taitamariki – supporting young people - Annual Report 2019/20
MSD focuses on supporting New Zealanders to be safe, strong and independent with regionally led initiatives like He Poutama Taitamariki in Northland.
He Poutama Taitamariki supports MSD clients aged 15 to 24 years who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) to find their passion and get ready for employment, education or training. Once the young person has been placed, they continue to receive support through manaakitangata or pastoral care.
Ngati Kahu Social and Health Services run a social connectedness programme, Oranga Tangata, that continued during COVID-19 through texts and direct calls to the young people.
Malachi Cassidy, from Kaitāia, completed Oranga Tangata in May 2020, and it’s helped build his self-confidence.
Malachi was actively encouraged and supported by a He Poutama Taitamariki case manager navigator. He says, “She would pick me up and take me to the programme if I couldn’t get there. She has helped me to keep moving forward to get to where I want to be.” Malachi is considering a career in the Navy and is due to start Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) – a six-week residential pre-employment programme. He has been referred to an employment navigator who will be working with him to achieve his employment goals.
LSV from July 2019 to 30 June 2020
- 766 young people began LSV.
- 567 graduated.
- 301 have gone into employment, education or other and are not on a benefit.
"The programme is more about being aware of who you are and what you want out of your life." – Malachi
