Community Board ‘invests’ in Hornby youth

A new youth hub will open in Hornby, offering a safe place for young people to meet and connect while also providing access to youth workers.

A $24,000 grant from the Waipuna/Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board to the Community Development Network Trust will help transform the former Plunket building in Wycola Park into a hangout space for after-school use.

Trust Manager and Hornby community youth worker James Harris says the new space offers an opportunity for young people to come together, talk to youth workers , play games and join in programme activities.

“The hangout is a safe place for young people to come after school to play a game of pool or foosball, share a scoop of chips with friends, play some basketball and chat with a youth worker,” Mr Harris says.

“It also will give us a base for meetings on our Teen Adventure Camps, and a renewed presence at the corner of Wycola Park.”

Community Board Chairperson Mike Mora says it is vital to invest in Hornby’s young community.

“A youth hub provides invaluable connections and opportunities to build a stronger and united growing community that benefits everyone,” he says.

Youth workers will be available at least three days a week during the school term and the hangout programme will operate for at least two days each week. The new hub is likely to open towards the end of 2021.

To find out more about the hangout programme, visit the Community Development Network Trust website. For more information on community funding, go to the Council webpage or email communitygrants@ccc.govt.nz.