Fundraising Dance Gala for 198

Leading Christchurch dance companies have generously come together to bring you Dancing for 198, a Dance Gala evening showcasing some of the best dance Christchurch has to offer. All proceeds from this unforgettable evening will go towards the establishment of a new Youth Health Centre in the central city. Companies performing in the gala include Jolt mixed Ability Dance Company, Canterbury Ballet, Corrupt Productions and Rebound Dance Company.

Dancing For 198 is supporting the set up of a new Youth Health Centre that will provide free, holistic care for young Cantabrians between the ages of 10 and 25. From 1993 to 2010 a range of youth services were provided at the ‘198 Youth Health Centre’. Unfortunately a series of funding crises forced 198 to close. This closure was met by huge community protest and a dangerous gap in holistic, youth friendly, health care in Christchurch. Two attempts to restart the services at different venues failed because of earthquake damage, and loss of furniture and equipment. Indeed one of the senior doctors tragically died in the CTV building collapse.

Despite all these set backs, The Korowai Youth Well-being Trust will soon open a new Youth Health Centre, ‘298 Youth Health’, as part of a Youth Hub. The new health centre will be one of a collection of youth organizations that will provide many different services from a group of houses along Barbadoes Street. The aim of the Youth Hub is to offer a coordinated and collaborative response across health, education and employment sectors. It will house up to 15 agencies and services including Counselling, Life Skills Training, Career Advice and Employment Placement and Arts & Craft. The Hub will also be a place for professionals to connect and work together with flexibility within and between organisations.

The Korowai Youth Well-Being Trust envisages a fully coordinated ‘Youth One Stop Shop’ that will endeavour to “improve the well-being, health and social inclusion of vulnerable young people, who are struggling in our Canterbury community”. This Hub is set to become Christchurch’s and New Zealand’s leading Youth Hub, supporting & guiding up to 30,000 Youth towards a more fulfilling and inclusive part in the community and society.

Dancing For 198 will take place on Saturday 19th November at 8.00pm in the Geodome, in the Christchurch Events Village, Hagley Park. Tickets are on sale at Dash Tickets (www.dashtickets.co.nz).

ENDS

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