Youthline To Stay Open 24/7 Through Christmas

Youthline To Stay Open 24/7 Through Christmas

Holiday period “a difficult and challenging time for young people”

Youthline will be around to support young people from across New Zealand, right through the Christmas period and the long days of summer that follow.

While many will be enjoying a break these holidays, the organisation’s free helpline will remain open 24 hours a day and seven days a week, for anyone wanting to talk to an experienced counsellor.

Options for contacting the helpline include calling 0800 37 66 33, free texting 234 or emailing talk@youthline.co.nz.

“Although Christmas and the summer months are meant to be filled with happiness and fun, they can often be a difficult and challenging time for young people. So, holiday season or no holiday season, our helpline stays open,” says Youthline’s CEO, Stephen Bell.

“In addition to the usual issues facing youth, the summer break can bring all the anxieties associated with the start of a new educational year, including, for many, leaving home for the first time, with the transition to university or training institutes.

“Others will be starting work for the first time or, just as likely in the current economic climate, may be starting a long, hard and dispiriting search for employment. In any of these situations, it’s easy to be overcome with worry and self-doubt,” he says.

Stephen adds that many young people in rural areas may feel particularly isolated over the Christmas period, if there aren’t many others of the same age living locally.

“There can also be a lot of pressure on parents and extended families at this time of the year which, in turn, affects the wellbeing of young people in our community.”

“The great thing about Youthline is that young people can contact us anytime they want. From crisis situations, to those just wanting someone to listen, we offer the chance to talk things through in a confidential, non-threatening way” he says.

ENDS

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