Children and Young People
All of Wesley Community Action's work is based on a Strength Based ethos and a key to our work along-side young people involves, listening and developing respectful relationships.
Society appears to focus heavily on young people's problems and shortcomings, however there is a danger that this negative focus can get in the way of achieving progress. At Wesley our work is based on a Strength Based ethos.
We work along-side young people, listening and developing respectful relationships, appreciating their gifts and strengths as well as the challenges they face. We work hard to strengthen relationships with their families/whanau, and strive to provide the young people with unconditional care in a safe environment.
Our goal is to support young people in a strength based manner, by strengthening their sense of who they are and what they have to offer. We have a number of strands to our work with young people:
Te Whare Whakapakari - a home for young people
Te Whare Whakapakari provides a home for young people aged 12 to 17 years who for a variety of reasons are no longer able to live at home. Te Whare offers a safe, learning environment where young people can develop their own skills and resilience. The ultimate aim for these young people is their successful re-integration into a caring home environment supported by their whanau.
'One to One' foster care
Wesley Community Action's 'One to One' foster care initiative provides a safe, supportive home environment and foster parenting for young people aged 12 to 17 years old, who for a variety of reasons are no longer able to live at their original home.
Our Foster Care homes are located in a range of rural and urban locations from Levin to Wellington. Our foster care parents are valued members of the Wesley team and receive full training in Wesley's 'Strength Based' ethos plus back-up support from a team of skilled Social Workers.
Family Action
The ultimate aim for both the One to One Foster Care and Te Whare Whakapakari environments is the successful reintegration of the young people back into a caring home environment. Wesley's 'Family Action' Social Worker, provides additional support for families/whanau to help achieve this goal.
Social Workers in Schools
Social Workers in Schools is a partnership with Te Rununga O Raukawa working in Otaki primary schools.
Rangatahi Initiatives
Working with young people from isolated and 'hard to reach communities' such as the Mongrel Mob and Black Power gangs to:
- strengthen positive pro-whanau actions
- increase the level and breadth of networks that can support their health and well-being (health, employment, education organizations)
- develop existing skills and strengths to enhance resilience and employment prospects.
WATCH
An initiative aimed at assisting 17 to 25 yr olds who have come to the attention of the Courts because of alcohol and drug issues.
Porirua Youth Initiatives
Wesley Community Action's Canon's Creek and Waitangirua community centres offer a range of youth related programmes which include;
- After School Programmes
- School Holiday Programmes running for 6 days over most 2 week school holiday periods, 10am - 2pm.
- Mana Kotiro, Anger Management and relationship skills for young girls - Every Tuesday 3.30pm to 5pm.
- Youth Recreations nights, every Thursday from 4pm to 7pm.
