how we're run

Originally Youth Services Trust or YST as some liked to call us, WHATEVER has been helping our rangatahi navigate life and their health since 1991. We are the oldest running Youth one stop shop in Aotearoa and are totally proud to say this!

But we couldn’t do this alone and rely on our amazing partnerships and relationships with other community organisations to make sure we cover all bases so you can be the best you possible.

Our partnerships

SUPP

SUPP supports young people under 19 years old with alcohol, drug and mental wellbeing concerns. This includes working with families who have concerns about a young person and other agencies who would like support with education/awareness around mental health and addictions.

Pride Whanganui

Pride Whanganui Trust Vision: All lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, takatāpui, queer, intersex, gender or sexual minority (LGBTTQI+/Pride/Rainbow) people in Whanganui have a sense of belonging and safety in their community.

Pride Whanganui Trust Mission: To provide support, resources, information and advocacy for the Whanganui LGBTTQI+ Communities – including their friends, whanau, schools, employers and other associated communities.

the sexual health clinic

Sexual Health promotion aims to promote positive sexual and reproductive health and responsible sexual behaviour.

These goals are intended to help minimise the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy throughout Whanganui by:

reducing incidence and impacts of STIs
reducing stigma and discrimination
improve reproductive health status
increase awareness of information promoting sexual health and wellbeing
increased access and uptake of resources and sharedlearning.

The Te Whatu Ora Whanganui sexual health promoter, based in the Public Health Centre, is able to provide advice to colleagues and community organisations on effective health promotion programmes which includes policy work, community action and community development, health education and advocacy.

assistance and support to those developing their own sexuality programmes and initiatives
promote up and coming training for health professionals and trainees
improve reproductive health status
assistance with school and workplace policies on issues such as HIV/AIDS, communicable disease, sexuality education, sexual and reproductive health.

About Whatever

Here at whatever we want you to feel like you are heard and respected, so we’ve shared shared our values with you so you know what you can expect from our service.

Inclusive (Manaakitanga)

Whatever believes in and is passionate about the importance of including and valuing rangatahi from all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, age, ability and sexual orientation. We believe an inclusive approach promotes fairness, understanding, and equal opportunities for everyone, striving to create a sense of belonging where all individuals feel respected, accepted, and empowered. We celebrate you, whoever you are!

Judgement-free (Kotahitanga)

Whatever goes out of its way to provide a non-judgmental service aimed to create an atmosphere where rangatahi feel comfortable seeking help, sharing their experiences, and making decisions based on their needs and values.
We do this by showing:

Empathy: Our staff demonstrate empathy by understanding and acknowledging your feelings and perspectives without passing judgment.
Open-mindedness: Maintaining an open mind allows staff to accept your diverse opinions, experiences, and backgrounds without imposing personal biases.
Respect: Treating you with respect, regardless of your choices, beliefs, or circumstances, is fundamental to our non-judgmental approach.
Confidentiality: Ensuring the confidentiality of information you share with us fosters trust and encourages open communication.
Cultural Competence: Being culturally competent allows our staff to understand and respect cultural differences that may influence your beliefs and behaviours.

Respect (Rangatiratanga)

Here at Whatever we believe that respect leads to more harmonious relationships and contributes to the overall well-being of our rangatahi and communities.

Recognition of Individual Dignity: Respecting you involves recognising and honoring your inherent worth and dignity as human beings. Regardless of differences, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Empathy: Understanding and acknowledging your feelings, perspectives, and experiences. Empathy involves us putting our selves in your shoes to better understand your situation
Respect: Treating you with respect, regardless of your choices, beliefs, or circumstances, is fundamental to our non-judgmental approach.
Acceptance of Differences: Respect entails us accepting and appreciating diversity in opinions, beliefs, cultures, and backgrounds. It involves us valuing your differences rather than judging or discriminating you against them.
Communication: Effective and respectful communication is essential. It involves us listening attentively, expressing ourselves clearly, and engaging in conversations that consider the feelings and viewpoints of all of us.