By Sophie Handford
Kāpiti Youth Support (KYS), a cornerstone of our community, continues to make a profound difference in the lives of young people across the district.
Providing a wide range of essential services that focus on the physical, mental, and social well-being of youth, KYS has supported over 4,000 young people in the past year, helping them navigate challenges and build brighter futures.
KYS is unique in its holistic, mana-enhancing approach to care, empowering young people to feel valued and supported in every aspect of their lives. Over the last year, KYS has facilitated 19,006 sessions, working with 3,706 youth to meet their diverse needs. These services span mental health care, medical support, social development, and advocacy, ensuring that young people across the Kāpiti Coast can access the care and resources necessary for their well-being and development.
This vital work is made possible by a dedicated team of 60 staff members, including 16 permanent and 36 part-time employees, who are deeply committed to supporting youth in our district. Their efforts are strengthened by the 33 contracts KYS holds with 10 funding agencies, reflecting strong community partnerships and a shared commitment to supporting the next generation.
Beyond its direct services, KYS plays a crucial role in advocating for the needs of young people, with over 53 meetings focused on long-term solutions and 2,671 hours dedicated to ensuring that the voices of youth are heard and their needs met. KYS is at the heart of a community effort to build a safe, supportive environment for young people to thrive.
Now, more than ever, the Kāpiti Coast community has an opportunity to rally behind KYS, ensuring it continues to provide these critical services and remains a cornerstone for youth in our district. Supporting KYS isn’t just about maintaining services—it’s about enhancing the future of our young people. By getting behind KYS, both morally and financially, the community can play an active role in this.
KYS has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting young people, but the organisation’s ongoing success is deeply tied to the community’s engagement and backing. By supporting KYS, individuals, businesses, and organisations alike can make a tangible investment in the future health, resilience, and success of Kāpiti’s youth. Every effort counts whether through donations, partnerships, or simply spreading the word.
For more information on how to support KYS, please visit www.kys.org.nz/support-us/
