4-4-2012

NZ YOUTHLINE TO RECEIVE TRAINING IN COOK ISLANDS YOUTH ISSUES

Representatives of the steering committee tasked with running the recent Youth Forum will travel to New Zealand next week to train and brief Youthline workers on issues related to young people in the Cook Islands. Nga Teinangaro and Ngaria Stephenson will meet with Youthline workers in readiness for the launch of the 0800 helpline which will go live in the Cook Islands at the end of April. “The 0800 line will be answered by Youthline workers in New Zealand and we want to ensure that they have sufficient knowledge and skills to assist and guide our young people through a process that is safe and user-friendly,” said steering group chairperson Vania Keening. She said the helpline was initially timetabled to go live in late March, “but to ensure its success we decided it was necessary to work with Youthline counsellors so their assistance fits with the circumstances of young people calling from the Cook Islands.“ This includes having Cook Islands Maori speaking counsellors available if requested by young people calling from Rarotonga and the outer islands. Youthline has been helping young New Zealanders and their families since 1970. Callers are assisted by trained and supervised professionals who listen carefully and respectfully and work with young people in a confidential and safe environment to relieve emotional distress. Youthline is an approved and audited service under S.403 of the NZ Child Youth and Family Act 1989. Youthline respects the diversity and rights of each person. All counsellors abide by a clear code of ethics and your sessions are confidential. Vania said the steering group was working closely with Telecom Cook Islands to prepare for the launch of the helpline. “The 0800 number will be confirmed closer to launch date and will be accessible from landlines, payphones, battery charged pre and post paid mobiles including those without credit.” A confirmed launch date and the 0800 number will be jointly announced by the steering group and Telecom later this month.