WHERE HOPE MEETS OPPORTUNITY

Founded in 2002 on the belief that every young person needs someone standing in their corner, Springboard has grown into a vital local lifeline for the community's most vulnerable young people.

Recently a young person who had completed Springboard's employment preparation programme in 2025 came to visit and said "Springboard has changed my life". This young man has gone from sitting on a benefit not being able to find work, to working full time for a local business, and completing a mechanical engineering qualification at the same time. "You guys believed in me, and helped me, and I can't thank you enough."

At Springboard, one-size-fits-all isn't the approach. Its wrap-around programmes have been designed to meet young people exactly where they are. Through tailored mentoring, intensive youth support, and authentic work-readiness initiatives, Springboard helps rangatahi build resilience and unlock practical paths to further education or employment. It offers counselling, alternative education, employment skills training, and is always looking for ways to create more opportunities for young people to thrive.

Sheepworld, Junction Magazine's 2026 Activity of the Year winner, serves as a funding source for Springboard programmes, and as a brilliant backdrop to where its youth gain hands-on, real-world skills in farming, horticulture and hospitality. That means that any profit from a ticket purchased and coffee consumed goes directly to supporting young people to make brave decisions to follow their dreams, even when they feel like the dream is over.

As a non-profit, Springboard relies heavily on the generosity of its supporters to keep its doors open and its programmes free. Those inspired to invest in the future of local youth have so many ways to get involved. They can become a financial donor, provide pro-bono goods or services, or partner with Springboard as a local employer.

By backing Springboard, supporters are choosing to believe in the bright future of the next generation. Together, the community can ensure every young person in the region knows they belong. Springboard is incredibly honoured to be named Junction Magazine's Non-Profit of the Year. This award is a celebration not just of its team, but of the extraordinary community that stands behind its young people.

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