Peer Support
Southland
Manaaki Connectors
Manaaki Connectors are senior students or youth group leaders who create a positive culture for their kura.
They look out for others by making everyone feel included, scan for bullying and connect those who ask with the best person who can help.
The programme is hosted at the amazing Aurora College.
Youthline invites other schools to join. Here are Manaaki Connectors from Avonside in Christchurch talking about what they do:
Developing Wellbeing Leaders
The Connectors are trained in mental health first aid, peer support plus leadership skills. Connectors are put in a position of responsibility. They get a badge plus a bespoke resource book that has the most appropriate staff or services they can take their young person to.
The Programme
Runs from February to the start of term four. Youthline provides 8 hours of training at the start of the year. The Connectors take turns patrolling during lunchtimes and supporting other students. Youthline visits every month to check in. The Connectors plan and run wellbeing activities throughout the year and attend an awards dinner at the start of term four.
Making a Positive School Culture
As well as socially including all students and scanning for bullying, the Connectors practice random acts of kindness around the school or community. The programme aims to build a youth-led community of care as a suicide prevention strategy.
