The Straight Up Trust / Rock Solid Dunedin
The Straight Up Trust is a charitable non-profit organisation based in South Dunedin. Working with youth and families in the southern areas of Dunedin (& more recently Brockville). The essence and objective of The Straight Up Trust is to serve the communities of Dunedin, responding to needs and culture while helping to bring about positive community transformation through quality long-term relationships. They run various programmes for young people ages 8-18. All of their programmes focus on building connections between youth and mentors and providing opportunities for youth development - see website for programmes. Their Approach: Long Term Relationships;People are not projects to be fixed or problems to be solved. Walking with a young person, often for many years (potentially from year 6 through to year 13) is one of the most powerful ways of seeing long-term change.Youth Focused;To build strong communities and positive change. They are youth-focussed and connections with families are developed over time through trust, through Youth Clubs, through sports, camps, small groups and through mentoring.Strength-Based;They help and encourage youth to see what they are good at, and helped to do more of it.Build Resilience;They aim is to help build emotional, social, spiritual and cultural resilience in our young people.Role Models and Mentors;They have a core team of Youth Workers, Interns and support staff, all of whom are part-time. In addition they have an amazing team of over 30 volunteer leaders. A Safe, Non-judgemental Space;They aim to create a safe, non-judgemental relational space where young people feel loved and accepted, and are able to explore life values and grow.
The Straight Up Trust, known as Rock Solid Dunedin, is a charitable non-profit youth club based at 6 Kettle Park Road, St Clair, Dunedin 9012, in New Zealand's Otago region.
General Overview of the Club
Growing from a commitment to community service, The Straight Up Trust has established itself as a pillar of youth support in Dunedin's southern suburbs, including South Dunedin and Brockville. While specific establishment details are not highlighted, the organisation embodies the ethos of non-profit youth clubs that prioritise relational engagement over transactional aid. These clubs typically aim to uplift vulnerable young people by offering structured yet flexible environments for personal growth. At our core, we run diverse programmes for ages 8-18, encompassing youth clubs, sports, camps, small groups, and mentoring sessions. The objective is clear: to respond to community needs and cultural nuances, fostering transformation through enduring bonds rather than fleeting interventions. Our team of part-time youth workers, interns, and over 30 dedicated volunteers creates a network of guidance, ensuring programmes are accessible and impactful.
Activities and Engagement
Activities are tailored to encourage participation and skill-building, with a strong emphasis on connecting youth to positive influences. From team sports that promote teamwork to camps that build independence, each element is crafted to develop well-rounded individuals. Small groups provide intimate spaces for discussion, while mentoring offers one-on-one support from role models who invest in long-term journeys.
Philosophy and Methods
Guided by principles of empathy and empowerment, we view young people as capable individuals with inherent strengths. Our methods include nurturing emotional and social skills through non-judgemental interactions, helping participants navigate challenges with greater resilience. This approach extends culturally and spiritually, creating spaces where values can be explored without pressure.
Location and Regional Focus
At the heart of Saint Clair in Dunedin, Otago, our club is strategically positioned to serve the southern communities that need it most. This area, with its close-knit neighbourhoods, provides an ideal backdrop for programmes that bridge youth with local families and leaders. Dunedin's Otago setting, known for its community spirit, amplifies our efforts to instil resilience amid everyday realities, making our youth support initiatives a natural fit for regional transformation.
Building Lasting Connections
Connections form the backbone of our operations, with volunteers and staff committing to multi-year involvement. This sustained presence allows us to develop trust with families, extending the club's reach beyond individual youth to entire households. In Otago's dynamic environment, such relationships prove essential for holistic development.
In summary, The Straight Up Trust / Rock Solid Dunedin exemplifies dedicated youth support in Otago's Saint Clair area. By prioritising long-term mentorship and strength-based programmes, we empower young people aged 8-18 to thrive, contributing to stronger, more resilient communities in Dunedin.
Contact Info
Connect with The Straight Up Trust / Rock Solid Dunedin in Saint Clair, Dunedin! Reach out to join our vibrant youthsupport community, get updates on events, or learn how to get involved.
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