I talk a lot about inspiration, optimism, vision, and the relentless pursuit of peak performance. These are the big ideas at the heart of my belief that individuals and teams can make a difference. They are what my work as a trustee, coach and mentor with the (TYLA) Turn Your Life Around Trust, out on the edge in Auckland, New Zealand is all about.
TYLA’s vision is to inspire at-risk youth to make better choices, one choice at a time.
The TYLA Youth Trust was set up approximately 14 years ago to support at-risk New Zealand youth through a long-term early intervention programme. Today the Trust works in partnership with the New Zealand Police in Otara and Auckland City (Western area) schools to identify and provide support, advocacy and mentoring to youth aged between 10 and 16, who are considered to be at risk of starting to commit crime.
TYLA provides a range of ongoing, tailor-made support programmes for youth, including one-on-one support from social workers and youth workers, and also the provision of support for the families of the young people on our programme.
IMAGE: Kevin Roberts (centre right) receiving a cheque for $10,000 on behalf of TYLA from John Spooner (left) of The Rotary Club of Auckland. Photo: Sally Tagg
TYLA’s mission
To transform troubled Auckland communities into global benchmarks, through inspiring corporations and successful individuals to help one kid turn their life around, one choice at a time.
How does TYLA work?
Research has proven that an intensive programme of early intervention, such as what TYLA offers, has long-term benefits for youths who may otherwise maybe headed for a life of delinquency and crime.
TYLA works closely with the New Zealand Police, schools and other significant organisations to identify at-risk youth and to provide support services to them over the long term. The TYLA programme is designed to provide the tools and skills necessary for these young individuals to take responsibility for their own actions and make good choices in life.
Young people who are referred and meet a defined set of criteria are selected to enter the TYLA programme. Our social workers then comprehensively assess the youth, their family circumstances, education and health. With the vital support of the child’s school and their family, a plan is then developed that is unique to the young person and their needs.
Each TYLA social worker has a case load of no more than 12-15 youths at any one time, so as to adequately support each young person they work with. The TYLA social work team also work in partnership with New Zealand Police youth workers who facilitate groups, camps, sporting and other programme activities.
Four fundamental components of the TYLA programme work in harmony to ensure the needs of the youth and family are fulfilled:
Family and Whanau
Young people aged between 10 and 13 who have been identified as being at-risk can be referred to the TYLA Programme. Support is available for up to five years (plus), with the ultimate aim being to assist the young person towards graduation at NCEA Level 1, then onto higher education or employment.
Because we recognise that youth development does not happen in isolation, TYLA also works to support families and caregivers in order to empower them to take an active role in assisting their children to make good choices. In addition, TYLA advocates and works collaboratively with community agencies to support these families, which helps to ensure good outcomes.
It is a necessary and worthwhile project, working at the grassroots of New Zealand community. The problems that TYLA address effect communities throughout the world and the solution that TYLA offers is relevant to people everywhere. TYLA is creating a credible vision, real opportunities and is constructing a better future for hundreds of young people every year.
Kia Kaha
Kevin Roberts
Make A Donation:
To make all of this possible, TYLA needs financial support. If you can help by making a donation or getting involved as a mentor, please contact TYLA. Your support will be greatly appreciated. |
