Rangatahi supports in Canterbury/Waitaha
Young people in Waitaha have access to a wide range of services that support their health, wellbeing, safety, and future pathways. Whether you’re looking for medical care, mental health support, help finding work, or someone to talk to, there are youth‑focused organisations ready to walk alongside you. Below is a simple guide to key services available for rangatahi.
Te Tahi Youth
A free, one‑stop youth health and wellbeing service for ages 10–24. Te Tahi Youth provides medical care, mental health support, youth work, employment help, and leadership programmes — all designed specifically for young people. Their services are free, youth‑friendly, and based at the Christchurch Youth Hub and Eastgate Mall.
Services They Provide:
Medical Support (Ages 10–24) for: Physical health, Mental health and trauma support, Sexual health & contraception, prescriptions & medical certificates, tests & specialist referrals, gender‑affirming care, care for tamariki aged 0–5 (if parent/caregiver is enrolled)
Acute Medical Clinic (Same‑day care) For urgent needs such as STI checks, sudden illness, minor injuries, or emergency contraception — no enrolment needed.
At the YouthHub:
Wednesday: 1.30pm–3.30pm
Friday: 12pm–2pm Phone to book: 03 943 9298
At Eastgate Te Puawaitanga
Thursdays, 1pm–4pm
Mental Health & Wellbeing Counsellors, youth workers, and social workers are available.
Youth Development Programme (Ōtautahi & Selwyn) for: One‑on‑one support and group workshops (health, creativity, employment, life skills). They have a weekly drop‑in: Wednesdays, 2.30–4.30pm at the Youth Hub and a Youth Voice & Leadership Group 15‑week programme for ages 12–24.
Employment Support (Ages 12–24) for: CVs, cover letters, interview prep, help choosing next steps, certifications (barista, first aid, etc.). There can sometimes be a waitlist for this service so if you need help quicker, you can come to one of their employment helpdesk drop-ins: Tuesdays 2–4pm @ Youth Hub & Thursdays 2–4pm @ The Loft
To find out more about any of the services Te Tahi Youth offers, contact them:
Phone: 03 943 9298
Website:tetahiyouth.org.nz
Enabling Youth (Stopping Violence Services)
Support for rangatahi experiencing challenges with abusive or violent behaviours
Enabling Youth works with young people aged 11–30 (Christchurch & North Canterbury) and 12–18 (South Canterbury) who are struggling with harmful behaviours. They provide one‑on‑one support, education, and strategies to build safer relationships and positive change.
Services They Provide
Support for rangatahi who are using violence or are struggling with anger
Programmes focused on safety, communication, and behaviour change
Advocacy and referrals
Contact
Freephone: 0800 478 778
Email:info@svschch.org.nz
Website:enablingyouth.co.nz
Odyssey House
Addiction, mental health, and wellbeing support for young people. Odyssey House provides a wide range of services for rangatahi experiencing addiction or mental health challenges.
Services They Provide
Residential youth programmes
Day programmes
Outreach and community support
Pre & Post‑residential care
Support to re‑engage with school, training, or work
Phone: (03) 358 2690
Email:admin@odysseychch.org.nz
Manu Ka Rere
Free mental health support for ages 13–24. Manu Ka Rere supports young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health or addiction issues.
Services They Provide
One‑on‑one mental health support
Group programmes (term‑time and holiday options)
Support for anxiety, low mood, stress, and life challenges
Phone: 0800 281 761
Email:office@manukarere.org.nz
Emerge Aotearoa – Tiakina Youth
Tiakina is a collaborative youth service by Emerge Aoteroa offering several specialist services for rangatahi with mental health needs.
Services They Provide
Tiakina Wellbeing Programme (14–19) — daily wellbeing sessions (CAF referral)
Youth Community Support Service — up to one year of 1:1 support
Early Intervention Psychosis Support — intensive two‑year service
Specialist Support Service — needs assessments for young people with disabilities
Email: tiakina.info@emergeaotearoa.org.nz
Christchurch Methodist Mission
They Provide:
Supported Accommodation Youth Housing (18–21) For young people leaving Oranga Tamariki care. Referrals via OT.
Youth Transitional Housing (16–24) For young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Referrals via MSD.
Website: mm.org.nz
180 Degrees Trust
Adventure‑based mentoring to reduce youth offending. 180 Degrees Trust uses outdoor challenges and intensive mentoring to support rangatahi referred through Oranga Tamariki.
Services They Provide
Southern Alps Traverse — a 6‑day, 243km journey using biking, hiking, rafting, jetboating, and tubing
Intensive Mentoring with Camps — communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving development
Youth Offending Reduction Programme — for young people referred by Oranga Tamariki
Fee‑for‑Service Options — available for families and community groups
Phone: 03 366 6357
Website: 180degrees.org.nz
Youth Pathways
Youth Pathways provides structured programmes to help young people build confidence, reduce offending, and move toward independence.
Services They Provide
Supervision with Activity (Mana) Full‑time individualised programme focused on reducing youth offending and building pro‑social skills.
Mentoring Intensive one‑on‑one support, guidance, and goal‑setting.
Transition to Adulthood Support for young adults leaving care to build independence and life skills.
Fee‑for‑Service Options available for the wider community.
Phone: 021 270 2511
Email: info@youthpathways.co.nz
Comcol (North Canterbury)
Youth programmes, mentoring, and employment support
Comcol provides a range of youth‑focused programmes across North Canterbury.
Services They Provide
Mentoring
Horse‑riding wellbeing programmes
Employment programmes
Youth coaching into education and training
Phone: 0800 60 50 60
Website: comcol.org.nz
VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai
VOYCE supports pēpi, tamariki, and rangatahi who are in care or have care experience.
They help with things like: Rights education, advocacy and support, political and systemic advocacy, and events and programmes for care‑experienced rangatahi
Phone: 0800 4 VOYCE (0800 486 923)
Email: contactus@voyce.org.nz
Christchurch Base: Youth Hub
Youthline
Youthline provides free, confidential support for any young person who needs to talk and get support for mental health, stress, relationships, and identity. They can talk to you over the phone, via text, webchat or WhatsApp
Reach out to them on:
Free Text: 234
Free Call: 0800 37 66 33
WhatsApp: 09 886 56 96
Youth Hub Christchurch
The Youth Hub is home to multiple organisations offering support, programmes, and activities for young people. Address: 109 Salisbury Street, Christchurch
Services & Tenants Include
Christchurch City Mission — Youth AOD Group
Comcol North Canterbury — Youth Service (16–19)
Egg Academy — creative and digital youth development
VOYCE — programmes for care‑experienced rangatahi
Youthline — crisis helpline team
Te Tahi Youth — therapy, employment support, medical services
MSD Employment Navigator — drop‑in support (Tuesdays 1–3pm)
Christchurch Methodist Mission — transitional housing for 16–24 year olds
How The Loft Can Support You
The Loft is here to help you navigate the wide range of youth services available in Ōtautahi Christchurch. If you’re unsure where to start, what you’re eligible for, or which service best fits your needs, we can talk it through with you. Our team can connect you with medical care, mental health support, youth workers, employment help, or housing services — whatever you need to feel supported. We can meet with you by phone or Zoom, making it easy to access help in a way that works for you. If you’d like someone to walk alongside you as you take your next steps, you can reach out to us via the chatbot on this page, or go to the Contact Us page, and we’ll help you get connected.