Amber-Rose's Story

“I stumbled through the doors one day when I was about eight and it felt like coming home, I felt supported and connected to my community here, in a way I had never experienced before.”

YAT works with hundreds of young people and families every week in the east of Christchurch, supporting them through a range of activities to build their resilience.

Amber-Rose came back to the programme as a volunteer after the Christchurch earthquakes, which had left New Brighton like a ‘ghost town’ and fractured the community. She like, many others, was looking for the kind of stability provided through support and social connection in a safe environment.

“There are so many things in life you can’t control – home, school, your world shaking, but YAT provides a constant environment and a really tight-knit kind of family, you can rely on.”

Even at her young age she recognises the value of the programme extends far beyond childhood. “When people are well supported, they have a better opportunity to participate positively in the community. With so much shut down in this area, YAT provides young people with activities they can engage with and each other.”

Youth Alive Trust is a Youth and Community Development Agency based on the East of Christchurch, that serves hundreds of children, young people and families every week, through our many programmes! A small staff team, is supported by an army of volunteers who want to make their community a better place!

To read more about the Youth Alive Trust go here or follow them on Facebook.