Day dedicated to youth fills square - October 2015

MINGLING: Rangatahi workers Peter London and Kiri Wilson (centre) shared the day dedicated to young people with WHS student Tayla Mack (left), 14, and Maddison Hatch, 12.

The sun was smiling down on Majestic Square at lunch time yesterday as rangatahi (youth) were celebrated with live music, pink candyfloss and a whole lot of aroha.

The Removing Barriers network in Wanganui organised the day to provide a fun-filled time dedicated to young people.

The day was part of the theme of wellbeing promoted during Mental Health Awareness Week, which is all about giving of time, presence and words.

Balance Whanganui youth support worker Peter London, and Kiri Wilson (former WHS student), the co-ordinator for Community Action on Youth and Drugs Programme, said the day was about encouraging youth and their whanau to share their support for each other.

"It's about getting out and mingling with others, being part of things; that helps everyone's wellbeing and it's especially important for youth," said Peter.

Music for the event was provided by UCOL contemporary performance students with some soulful singing by Vaahn Gingles on Change Gonna Come and Hina Turner on I'd Rather Go Blind.

UCOL Programme Co-ordinator Lizzie de Vegt said the students had been working together only since August and yesterday was just the fourth time they had performed together as a band.

Mental Health Awareness Week finishes tomorrow with another day of activity in Majestic Square - a health expo is giving free advice and information, and a sausage sizzle, spot prizes and live music and karaoke are on offer for all.

Wanganui Chronicle 9/10/15.