2 May 2024Zeal is on a mission to support and empower young people in Aotearoa to flourish, through making transformative spaces and opportunities accessible to them.
Zeal was historically set up as a youth venue in Wellington, engaging and connecting young people to positive youth-led live music gigs and events, but since then Zeal has spread to 5 regions across the north island and evolved into providing safe, inclusive spaces and opportunities that not only activate young people’s creative spark, but also empowers young people to connect to their sense of identity and belonging, and to provide access to opportunities that develop their strengths and leadership.
With the support of Lindsay Foundation, Zeal has developed and is delivering a programme called Zeal Nights, an initiative set up to address the growing mental health needs and safety concerns of vulnerable young people on Friday nights. Through this project, dedicated teams of Zeal youth workers engage with disconnected youth on the streets, building relationships of trust and directing them to Zeal’s youth centres. By opening their doors on Friday nights, these centres are a safe haven within the city, providing mental health support, guidance, and positive alternatives for vulnerable rangatahi.
“Young people our team engage with daily are incredible and we get the opportunity to connect with them and hear what’s really going on in their worlds. Through programmes like Zeal Nights, we get to meet and engage with awesome young people in the city, offer practical support, and offer connection to our Zeal spaces and community which has been really valued. Thank you to Lindsay Foundation for supporting this work, it is making a difference in the lives of many young people throughout Aotearoa.”
Jesse Boyce, CEO Zeal.