BALD ANGELS -'all youth deserve to thrive'

Feeling overwhelmed by 'what next?'...and 'what's the point?', and already a month into another year facing the interminable battle of how to support our most vulnerable tamariki to thrive, and this image jumps out at me. Without diving into the intensity of all the emotions, challenges, differences, and diversities, I can share that this image is a reminder of the Why. Why? Because four diverse people connected. Because four beautiful people felt seen and appreciated. Because two rangatahi stepped outside their comfort zone and did good for others. Because two amazing Angel volunteers shared the intense energy of two gorgeous young people who openly shared their anxieties, challenges and...yes, brutal impulsiveness. 😅 Because together they communicated, communed, trusted and celebrated each other's being. No-one expected the connection. Everyone valued it. Our fab volunteers were sorting over 2000 Christmas gift donations, and these youth from our Rainbow Rangatahi programme came along to help. Bringing community together be seen, heard and valued is the 'what next'. Sharing and valuing each other is 'the point'. Our tamariki need to be seen, heard and valued, and on the way, our community strengthens. On the way we may also be seen, heard and valued. If you'd like to help us support tamariki to thrive, and community to strengthen, please pop over to www.baldangels.org.nz #communityconnections #youthdevelopment #volunteersrock