Annual Reports Received from Manawatū’s Support Services

Youthline is a self-described “with youth, for youth” organisation, supporting young people across the country. While they’re well known for their helpline, their Counsellors and Youth Workers also deliver counselling, youth mentoring, and specialised programmes for intermediate and high school students. These cover topics like mental health, anxiety, and respectful relationships. For the Central North Island unit, demand has been rising from smaller rural schools as rangatahi navigate isolation and increasingly complex mental health challenges in the social media era. In 2024/25, 618 rangatahi took part in their programmes, with 605 completing it, including 129 from the Manawatū District. Of those surveyed, 95% said they learned new life skills. Mayor Michael Ford commented on the importance of Youthline’s mahi, supporting our young people because looking after them is looking after our future.

Neighbourhood Support Manawatū promotes connectedness, community safety, and crime prevention through a community-led, collaborative approach. Working alongside the Police, their core mahi focuses on engaging with residents, sharing resources, and connecting people to local services. They also manage a vulnerable persons register and an emergency preparedness register. In 2024/25, their team of 61 volunteers supported a network of 3,919 registered members across the Manawatū District, with 191 people recorded on the vulnerable persons register. Feedback from the year was positive, with 225 members saying they value their connection with Neighbourhood Support, and 38 volunteers reporting that their volunteering has made a positive difference for their street or group.

Age Concern Palmerston North and District promote the wellbeing and rights of older people, championing dignity, wellbeing, equity, and respect. Supporting around 17% of the community, their services wrap around seniors through four key pillars: connection, health promotion, community support, and elder abuse response. A key part of their work is the ‘Age Concern Visiting Service’, which helps seniors feel less lonely and more connected to their community. In 2024/25, 251 visits were completed in the Manawatū District, with 100% of survey respondents satisfied with the service. Looking ahead, Age Concern is focusing on working with partner organisations across the region to meet changing community needs and attracting more volunteers to keep up with growing demand.

Manawatū District Council is proud to support these three organisations through the Community Development Priority Services Fund, as their daily mahi reflects and aligns with Council’s Community Development Strategy; delivering a high quality of life for all residents.

MDC’s Community Development Priority Services Fund supports non-profit organisations who enhance community well-being, create a sense of belonging and foster social equity. To learn more about the Community Development Priority Services Fund, please visit MDC’s website: Community Development Fund | Manawatū District Council