The Spot 

The Spot is a Youth Centre aimed at people aged 12-24. It is led by young people for young people, who are involved with all the decision making for the centre.
The Spot is situated between Motordrome and the YMCA, in Queen Street, with two separate buildings making up the Youth Centre. There are kitchen facilities, a stage, a pool table, a few couches, chairs and tables, with plans for more resources.
Our first priority at The Spot is to transform the back building into an activities centre and youth café, proving a safe and inclusive place were young people can spend time after school, work or training. The café will initially open from 3 pm to 5.30 pm on weekdays and will also provide work training for local youths. Computers with internet access will be available while the centre is open and there are plans for games and activities such as pool, table tennis, board games and indoor and outdoor sports equipment available for use. There will be a stereo so people can listen to music.
Future plans for the front building involve an information resource centre covering a whole range of youth focused subjects, from health and employment, to law and advocacy. The idea is for this to eventually become a hub where organisations can contact, meet and talk with young people in a setting easily accessible to youth
 

What’s happening at the Spot at the moment?

Although not officially open, a number of different groups already use The Spot for activities from dance, cooking and band practice, to meetings and youth programs. To make use of this area, please contact Sarah Miller, the centre’s coordinator.
Upcoming events include an art day, where people can come together at the centre to design and produce artwork to enliven our walls and improve the surroundings at The Spot. The date is yet to be confirmed. Please register interest with the coordinator.
There is also a competition running to design The Spot. This includes designing a logo, making a list of activities and resources you would like to see there, and designing floor plans for the buildings. Sarah is currently running workshops with groups to started them thinking about this project.
If you are interested in helping in any capacity, contact Sarah, the coordinator. We are happy to receive quality donations, if you have any furniture or resources which you think the Spot could use.
We are also looking for people who could run evening activities, help out with setting up the space or with the café opening times.

We welcome your suggestions or feedback – please contact Sarah.
Watch this space for a weekly newsletter of events happening at The Spot.

Other youth centres: 
Nelson
http://www.nelsonhub.org/about.html
Wellington
http://www.evolveyouth.org.nz/

Youth Provider Directory – Wairarapa: for information on budgeting, drivers licences, literacy, life skills courses, pre-trade courses, polytechnic certificate courses, tertiary grants, vocational guidance and finding job vacancies
http://www.wairarapaworkforce.org.nz/?q=node/30
 If you would like to add links to resources or services for this page please contact Sarah Miller. Sarah’s contacts are in the sidebar on this page.