MEDIA RELEASE - Two University of Auckland academics are set to launch an innovative mentoring programme for vulnerable youth, thanks to a $220,000 grant from the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation’s Extension Partnership Programme.

Dr Pat Bullen and Dr Kelsey Deane will be developing a New Zealand version of Colorado State University’s Campus Connections therapeutic mentoring programme. The programme aims to boost meaningful learning opportunities for vulnerable youth in alternative education, a constructive alternative delivery of education for students who are not currently engaged with mainstream schooling.

Research conducted by the Adolescent Health Research Group, of which Dr Bullen is a member, has shown young people in alternative education are 10 times more likely than mainstream students to engage in risky or antisocial behaviour and experience serious emotional challenges.

With previous support from Vodafone’s World of Difference Fellowship programme, Dr Bullen has examined the potential of mentoring services and developed strategies and resources to enhance the quality and reach of mentoring for vulnerable youth in New Zealand.

“I was amazed by the Campus Connection programme’s ability to positively impact vulnerable youth by uniquely combining 50 hours of intensive one-to-one mentoring, with prosocial, group-based activities and on-site therapy,” says Dr Bullen.

The localised programme is being developed to provide a structured, supervised learning environment for vulnerable New Zealand youth. Student mentors, counsellors and social workers will provide the weekly mentoring, therapy and transition support for the young people involved.

Vodafone NZ Foundation Chair, Antony Welton says, “Dr Bullen’s work clearly demonstrates the potential for this international programme to make a meaningful difference in New Zealand.

“The Vodafone Foundation supports initiatives that create opportunities for vulnerable young people to thrive. We believe Dr Bullen’s passion and commitment to the project will enable it to become a successful support hub for those who need it.”

University of Auckland is one of four organisations to receive a Vodafone Foundation Extension Partnership Grant. Naenae Youth Charitable Trust, Great Potentials Foundation, and Te Ora Hou have also received further investment to grow the impact of their work, and support young people to live lives they value.