Waves is one step closer to re-opening after appointing a new youth-hub manager. On Monday morning Lisa Bushell started in the 30-hour a week position, which was established to make the Powderham St centre operational under its new strategy. Im very excited, she said last week. I cant wait to get my feet under the table. There are excellent board members who are all incredibly supportive and passionate about what theyre doing. About a year ago, the youth health side of the centre shut its doors because of safety and management issues and lack of sustainable funding. Since then the trust has worked steadily behind the scenes on a new direction and finding the funding to re-open the centre. Ms Bushells role will include establishing stakeholder relationships with clinical collaborative partners and agencies in the community. Under the new direction Waves is not a service provider, instead it aims to facilitate other services from its centre to reach out to youth. The ultimate aim is for youth who enter Waves to exit happy, healthy and able to contribute to the community. Ms Bushell, who has a human resources background, has 20 years of relevant experience in education and health. After working with youth in Britain, her latest roles in Taranaki were with the Taranaki District Health Board and then YMCAs anti-bullying campaign. I have 11-year-old twins, who are my passion, she said. I love New Plymouth. I think its the most wonderful place to bring up a family. Ive had a desire to run a youth centre or have somewhere where youth can come and feel listened to. I strongly believe that the youth are the future and that all of us have an opportunity and something to give to the community we live in. Although her role at Waves is operational, shes about to begin a youth worker certificate to back up her work. Trust chairman Garth Clarricoats was excited about what Ms Bushells appointment would mean for Waves. Im really rapt that weve got somebody of Lisas calibre that can work with us to help make our vision a reality, he said. Waves will reopen in the new year with an official opening in February. Right now theyre looking for volunteers. Agencies interested in what Waves has to offer can contact the centre too. Ms Bushell can be contacted at [email protected]
Posted on: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 19:38:17 +0000
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