“We believe every young person is created with intrinsic value, has a place to belong, and the right to experience purpose and success.” – Outwest Youth Community Trust.
Outwest Youth Community Trust (OWY) is a charitable trust based in Helensville that is dedicated to supporting and developing local rangatahi through a range of programmes and initiatives delivered by their team of passionate youth workers. In 2025, Foundation North approved a grant supporting the Trust’s mahi to increase equity and community resilience through targeted support of local rangatahi.
Through mentoring, alternative education, group workshops, driver licensing support, community networking, and events, Outwest Youth works to strengthen the mana of young people while fostering wellbeing, belonging, positive whānau relationships, and strong community connections.
Across the motu, rangatahi face increasingly complex challenges, creating growing demand for youth services that provide holistic support. Outwest Youth’s team of youth workers and instructors are committed to addressing the social and structural inequities faced by local rangatahi to support them in living positive and meaningful lives.
“We practice presence-based youth work – meaning we live and work locally, understanding the local context.” – OWY
Their presence-based approach enables authentic relationships and direct responses to emerging community needs.
The impact of this kaupapa’s mahi continues to grow, with 131 young people achieving their restricted licence in 2025, mentoring referrals increasing by 80% in the past year, and former clients returning as youth workers to support the next generation of rangatahi.
