We have a long-running peer support group in Whangārei which is very well attended. In 2019 we secured a District Health Board contract to provide peer support to trans and gender diverse communities in Auckland and Northland, the first of its kind in the country. To this end we were able to hire Sydney Heremaia as our first permanent, part-time Northland staff member and a second group sprang up to cater to this community specifically.Thanks to the generous support of the Northland Community Foundation’s Grassroots Fund, we have now been able to offer Sydney more hours to expand his mahi as the Tai Tokerau Regional Coordinator. This role is vital in ensuring that our services in Northland go from strength to strength. Sydney provides mentoring and peer support to rainbow young people in the region and a point of contact for the existing peer support groups, as well as for young people who wish to start new ones. The role is also vital for building up local referral pathways for young people who seek out support, and provides visibility and community for rainbow people in Northland by liaising with schools, social services, medical clinics, marae and youth spaces. In the few months since its establishment, Sydney has connected with several services and schools across the region and made huge inroads. With the continued support of Northland Community Foundation we see a bright future for rainbow young people in Tai Tokerau, including new groups in smaller towns ensuring that rangatahi can access peer or 1:1 support wherever they may live.Article by Ally Wilson, Rainbow YouthFor the full Media Release click here: Media Release 010321To donate to the Northland Grassroots Fund click here: Make a Donation Today - Northland Foundation (northlandcommunityfoundation.org.nz)For enquiries, please contact:Greta Buchanangreta@northlandcommunityfoundation.org.nzGeneral Manager 021 558 224
