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On behalf of Youthline Central South Island, welcome to the 2008 Charity Race Day. We are honoured and excited to be a part of this event, and to be working with you to support the young people of Christchurch. Thank you to the Smith City Group, the Naval Point Club, its members and crews, sponsors taking part in the race and those who have provided prizes and auction items, plus the volunteers who have made this day possible. Youthline was established in 1970 to meet the need for a professional and confidential telephone counselling service for young people and has continued to address needs as it sees them, providing telephone counselling for nearly 40 years and, more recently, email counselling here in Christchurch. Our aim is to provide support to enable each young person to reach their full potential. Today’s young people remain at the cutting edge of technology, thus it is important that support systems are available where young people are. Texting is currently one of the most relevant forms of communication. In 2007, amidst the growing needs for young people to have avenues of support, Youthline began important developments for providing a free text service, with the aim of offering free texting around the country and trained text support people ready to respond to young people in their local communities. The initial set-up costs, plus ongoing IT and running costs for the text service are large, but Youthline has recognised the need to be where young people are, regardless of cost, and are now in the process of seeking support for the next phase of development. Youthline has 1000 volunteers across New Zealand, and it is our aim, by the end of 2008, to have at least 100 trained and skilled in text support, 20 of whom will be from Christchurch, ready to support Christchurch youth. Again, we thank you for sharing our vision and for enabling us to be there for the many thousands of young people who come to us for support each year. We wish you a safe and fun filled day and all the very best with your racing. The Team
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YOUTHLINE
CENTRAL SOUTH ISLAND |
