Record numbers of mentor applications
News | July 3rd, 2020
Despite COVID-19, we've had a record number of mentor applications this year and are so excited to have our training days back up and running.
How lockdown affected the Upside community
News | June 22nd, 2020
"During a crisis like the COVID-19 outbreak, families need their immediate, basic needs, food, housing and responsive relationships met before they can focus on anything else.” Harvard University, Centre on the Developing Child
$10,000 of dental work donated, one life changed
Stories | May 7th, 2020
Andrew from Symonds Street Dental and Rachel from Eden Orthodontics generously donated free dental and orthodontic work to a young person for as long as they needed it. This came to about $10,000 worth of work!
We're building a new normal for connection
News | March 24th, 2020
As we head into social isolation as a nation, our young people and their whānau need connection more than ever.
"Many of the mentors have been with our students through some of the toughest seasons of their lives."
Evidence | March 13th, 2020
"We don't know where these young people might have been today had it not been for their relationships with their mentors who have been advocates, supporters, trustworthy confidants, listening ears, voices of wisdom and of immense care."
"At his 16th birthday party were mostly paid professionals involved in his messy childhood."
Stories | February 28th, 2020
At Josh's party was his OT social worker, a social worker from a group home he lived in, his foster mum and one other foster parent. No friends his own age.
What are Adverse Childhood Experiences?
Evidence | February 27th, 2020
What are Adverse Childhood Experiences?Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are major contributing factors for poor youth development that can lead to negative health and social outcomes in adulthood.
"Invaluable in helping children build a trusting relationship with a positive role model."
Evidence | February 26th, 2020
We often get letters from our referrers which remind us why we do what we do.
Video games, butter chicken and learning about triggers
Stories | February 26th, 2020
Jackson’s mother suffered from several addictions and due to neglect, Jackson was responsible for his own self-care from a very young age.