The Press: A Suicide Prevention Measure: Christchurch's Youth Hub

It’s exciting to see Youth Hub Christchurch and Dame Sue Bagshaw (with hubby Dr Phil) featured once again in The Press - this time in a powerful piece highlighting the Hub as a vital, community-driven response to youth wellbeing and suicide prevention in Aotearoa.

The article, “A suicide prevention measure: Christchurch’s Youth Hub,” captures what so many in our community already know - that the Youth Hub is more than just a collection of buildings on Salisbury Street. It’s a place where a long-held vision has come to life, shaped by years of advocacy, collaboration, and a deep commitment to supporting young people in Waitaha - and we thank all of you for helping to be a part of that!

As Dame Sue shares, one of the most important elements of the Hub is something simple but increasingly rare: face-to-face connection. In a world where young people can feel a sense of isolation and digital overwhelm, the Hub creates space for rangatahi to build relationships, access support, and feel part of something bigger. As she puts it, having “pro-social friends, linking with a caring adult, learning a skill and being part of a group” is at the heart of what makes a difference.

The article also shines a light on the breadth of what’s happening across our site. Our housing wing - the much-loved “big flat,” runs in partnership by Christchurch Methodist Mission - provides 22 rooms for young people who need safe, stable accommodation. Many arrive facing significant challenges, from housing insecurity to unsafe living situations, and leave with pathways into into independence, education, or reconnection with whānau.

With our fantastic service providers just across the hallway, our co-location model means young people can access a wide range of support in one place, while our wonderful staff collaborate, connect, and strengthen the impact of their work.

Looking ahead, our soon-to-open Events Centre will be another key piece of the puzzle. With space for up to 200 young people, it will provide opportunities for connection, creativity, and confidence-building  through workshops, performances, or community gatherings. 

Alongside plans for a rongoā garden, café, and creative spaces, the Hub continues to grow as a place of belonging and possibility.

At our core, the Youth Hub is a community effort. From early support by the Anglican Diocese to ongoing backing from local funders, organisations, and neighbours, it represents what can happen when we all come together with a shared purpose.

As Dr Phil Bagshaw puts it, initiatives like this aren’t “add-ons” - they’re essentials.

We’re proud of our journey so far, and grateful to see the stories of our young people, our partners, and our purpose shared more widely.

We look forward to supporting many more young people, with whatever challenges they face, and hope to see our Youth Hub model recreated throughout the country - strengthening collaboration and relationships within the youth sector to create great outcomes for all young people.

Have a read of the full article here by clicking this link.