18 December 2019

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Students from Tangaroa College, St Peters College, De La Salle College and Sancta Maria Catholic College recently participated in a full-day obesity workshop facilitated by SouthSeas Healthcare utilising the new SouthSeas Youth Hub facility.

The new facility is within proximity to the SouthSeas head office and health clinic, which chosen as a location that is attractive to youth. It will service youth-friendly activities and integrated services that support innovation, well-being and learning.

The obesity intervention workshop is part of SouthSeas’ Resilient Young People (RYP) programme aiming to increase levels of physical activity and improving nutritional awareness for Pacific youth.

SouthSeas Community Health Worker Shaun Tautali says the workshop focused on the health risks associated with obesity in young people. “We covered key areas of education that schools may not have covered in their curriculum.”

“We look at health risks associated with obesity with real examples of why young people

are less physically active. We also talk openly about issues young people struggle with daily.”

“We already knew from research studies that the obesity rate is high for Pacific and Maori kids. Our programme ensures that we work closely with schools to ensure children are aware about the importance of physical activities in their daily lives.”

“We also want them to be aware of technology, and in particular that screen time on TV or their phones results in low physical activity.”

SouthSeas have been running these intervention programmes for over 14 years.

“We have looked at what works and what needs to be changed, providing holistic and achievable goals for young people to embrace and to use as learning tools for them to function out in the ‘real world’,” says Shaun.

“Our workshop has been designed to be fun and engaging so young people feel included and valued in all discussions. Talanoa is the best way to address weight issues with young people and share personal stories. It is also an opportunity for us to promote other family services provided by SouthSeas.”

“We are just one of a few organisations in South Auckland who are leading and facilitating youth development programmes, with many young people giving positive feedback.”

The SouthSeas Resilient Young People programme is centred around identity, resilience and leadership as core fundamentals that every young person should understand and identify with.

You can access the Resilient Young People Service by contacting us yourself, by clinic referral, or by community service or agency referral.

Click here for more information.

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