"Youth Week aims to amplify young people's valuable contributions to their communities. We want Aotearoa to be a country where young people are vibrant and optimistic and are supported and encouraged to take up challenges."
Here at Volunteer Marlborough, we love to hear about young people getting involved in the community so we thought that for Volunteer of the Month for May, we would align with Youth Week and honour some taiohi out there doing the mahi. This is just a small number of the youth out there doing great things, but definitely a great representation!
Last up....
Jess Bright & Blu Avery
As two of the three co-facilitators for Queer Youth Marlborough, Jess & Blu have helped to give all youth in the rainbow community a safe place to go and be supported by people who understand their journey. They help to organise events and activities for Monday night get togethers - movie nights, Kahoot, cooking class, communal dinners - planning the evening and making sure they stay in touch with other members. Jess & Blu give their time to support youth who might be struggling. They offer a kind ear, a shoulder, resources, and access to help these other young people stay safe.
In her nomination, youth worker Maxine Sweeney says, "Jess & Blu are absolutely awesome. They are like chalk and cheese but it works. Jess will give a motherly talk, while Blu makes you laugh. Jess will teach you to cook, while Blu will sit and enjoy the meal and share a yarn or two. They are amazing humans and both deserve to be recognised for their kind and caring hearts. They are selfless and genuine people who just love to help others."