A dedicated space for young people in Nelson and Stoke

Shortly before New Zealand went into Alert Level 2 and physical distancing returned, Councillors Matt Lawrey and Rachel Sanson joined members of the Stoke community for the dawn blessing of Whanake Youth’s new centre.

Based in the Stoke Community Hall, just behind Stoke Memorial Hall, the centre offers a warm, safe and friendly space for local young people aged 12 – 24. 

Led by Lee-Ann O’Brien, Whanake Youth is a small team of healthcare professionals who are passionate about the health and wellbeing of young people in our community.

The new site for all youth programs is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3.15-5pm, Wednesdays 3.15-8pm and Thursdays 6-8pm (16-24 year olds only).

Nelson City Council supported the new centre by providing Whanake Youth with a discounted lease on the Community Hall.

Community Services Committee Chair Matt Lawrey says he has no doubt the new centre will produce “a tonne of good” for the region.

“Council has known for a long time that we needed to be doing more for young people in Stoke and it is brilliant to be able to work with Whanake Youth to finally make that happen. I’m also really optimistic about what’s ahead. Not only is the opening of the centre a real step forward, I think it’s going to be a catalyst for lots of other good things happening for our young people in the future.”