Yes. MacStrong is accredited through Te Kahui Kahu - Social Services Accreditation. As of the 5th January 2022, to deliver the following service:

• Mentoring Programmes (Level 2)

This is approved under s403 of the Oranga Tamariki Act.

MacStrong is an organisation dedicated to helping individuals reach their full potential through coaching and mentoring. We believe that every young person has the potential to reach their goals, and our mission is to provide the knowledge, resources, and guidance needed to help them get there. We provide a range of services, including group mentoring, to help individuals overcome challenges and build a positive future.

Rangatahi are young people, typically in their teenage years, while tamariki refers to children, usually up to the age of 12. Our organisation is committed to providing mentorship and assistance to both age groups, recognizing the unique needs and stages of their development.

At MacStrong, we believe in the transformative power of experience, not just entertainment. While we love a good game of ten-pin bowling, arcade, or a dinner out, the activities go far beyond simple fun. They're carefully designed to unlock a treasure chest of essential life skills, hidden in plain sight.

Building, mowing, painting, water blasting – the list goes on! These tasks are more than just chores. They teach teamwork, collaboration, and the satisfaction of accomplishment. Struggling with a stubborn paintbrush? That's resilience and problem-solving in action! Our young people gain meaningful job and life skills they can transfer into trades or hold onto as essential skills later in life.

Food banks and community service? These experiences offer invaluable lessons in empathy, social responsibility, and understanding the needs of others. Seeing firsthand the impact of your actions builds compassion and a sense of belonging.

But what about bowling, movies, and dining out? These "social" activities might raise eyebrows, but don't underestimate their power. Ten-pin bowling strengthens hand-eye coordination and concentration, while also teaching teamwork and sportsmanship. Counting scores and learning basic math like addition, subtraction and multiplication. Mastering the art of ordering a meal in a restaurant? That's social skills, decision-making, and public etiquette in practice.

The secret? It's all about the context. We believe that every experience, from the thrill of victory to the sting of defeat, offers a learning opportunity. Our mentors are skilled at guiding these experiences, using everyday situations to build:

• Social skills: Communication, conflict resolution, relationship building

• Life skills: Decision-making, financial literacy, critical thinking

• Emotional intelligence: Self-awareness, emotional regulation, coping mechanisms

• Resilience: Perseverance in the face of challenges

• Confidence: Belief in oneself and one's abilities

So, when you see our mentors and their mentees reporting on bowling or going out for dinner, remember – it's more than just fun. It's a carefully crafted learning experience, designed to unlock the potential within each young person. It's about building a future filled with confidence, resilience, and the ability to navigate life's challenges with grace and purpose. While the outward appearance may suggest entertainment, the underlying purpose is to create learning opportunities in real-world scenarios, fostering personal growth and achievement of predefined goals.

Mentoring plays a crucial role in the development of rangatahi and tamariki by offering them positive role models who can provide guidance, encouragement, and a safe space to discuss their concerns. Mentors help them build self-esteem, resilience, life skills, friendships and social skills.

Although we primarily focus our services to these age groups, we do also cater to those transitioning into adult hood and those with a continued need for mentoring and coaching once they are adults.

Our matching process takes into account the personalities, geographical location, gender, interests, and needs of both the mentor and the mentee. We strive to create meaningful connections that foster trust and growth.

Yes, we encourage mentors to commit to a long-term relationship with their mentees. Building a strong bond takes time, and the stability of a long-term commitment can have a lasting positive impact on the rangatahi and tamariki we serve.

Absolutely! We welcome various forms of support, including donations, volunteering, and spreading the word about our MacStrong's mission. Your support helps us expand our reach and provide more resources to rangatahi and tamariki.

Our mentoring program has led to remarkable outcomes, including improved self-confidence, academic success, and personal growth among rangatahi and tamariki. Many have developed strong life skills and pursued higher education and meaningful careers.

The minimum number of hours per session is 3 hours.

Yes, we are dedicated to providing inclusive and supportive mentoring services to young people with a wide range of needs, including disabilities and neurodevelopmental conditions. Our mentors and programs are designed to accommodate diverse requirements, ensuring that all rangatahi and tamariki have the opportunity to benefit from our services. We believe in creating an environment where every young person can thrive and reach their full potential. If you have a young person with specific needs or conditions, please let us know during the referral process so that we can tailor our mentoring approach to best support them.

We Support young people to reach their full potential by delivering programmes within the community in a safe and supportive environment. We provide positive programmes delivered by experienced members of our team, reaching the needs of at-risk and vulnerable rangatahi and enabling these young people to transform their lives for the benefit of themselves, their Whānau and their community. By having robust relationships with these Young People, their Whānau and their support network we create a client centric wraparound service of support which allows these young people to flourish.

Yes! Please click on the below link to view our Infographic which you can download and send.

We understand that financial considerations can play a role in accessing our mentoring services. Please feel free to reach out to our team directly to discuss the cost of our mentoring programs. We strive to work with each family and individual to find a solution that meets their needs while ensuring that our mentoring services remain accessible and impactful. Your journey towards empowering rangatahi and tamariki is important to us, and we're here to assist you every step of the way.

The cost of mentoring is covered by either the referring organisation or the individual/family who referred the young person to our program. We understand that each situation is unique, and we work closely with referring entities and individuals to determine the most suitable funding arrangement. Our goal is to make our mentoring services accessible and impactful, while also ensuring the sustainability of our programs. If you have questions about the cost structure or how the funding process works, please feel free to contact us directly.

In New Zealand, families of young people with high needs, disabilities, or neurodevelopment conditions can explore several avenues to apply for funding and assistance. Here are some potential options:

1. Ministry of Social Development (MSD): The MSD offers a range of support services, including the Disability Allowance, Child Disability Allowance, and Carer Support. Families can apply for these allowances to help with the costs associated with caring for a young person with disabilities or special needs.

2. Taikura Trust: In Tamaki Makaurau they work as a needs assessment and service coordination. It's alabout how they can help you and your whanau affected by disabilities to support you make life more meaningful.

3. Ministry of Health: Disability Support Services: The Ministry of Health offers various disability support services, including Individualised Funding (IF). IF allows families to receive funding directly to manage and customise support services for their young person.

4. Emerge Aotearoa: Emerge Aotearoa provides support and services for people with disabilities and mental health challenges. They offer a range of programs and support options that families can explore.

5. IHC: The IHC Foundation provides grants and funding to support individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. They offer financial assistance for a variety of needs, including respite care, equipment, and more.

6. Local Charities and Trusts: There are many local charities, trusts, and community organizations that provide financial assistance and support to families of young people with special needs. Research and reach out to organisations in your local area to see if they offer funding opportunities.

7. Local Councils: Some local councils offer grants and funding for families with special needs children. Check with your local council to see if they have any available programs.

8. Health and Disability Advocates: Connecting with health and disability advocacy groups can provide families with valuable information about available funding options and how to navigate the application process.

9. Ministry of Education: Connecting with the Ministry of Education can provide you with guidance and direction around possible avenues of support from with in the Ministry.

It's important to note that funding options can vary depending on individual circumstances and the specific needs of the young person. Families are encouraged to research these options further, reach out to relevant organisations, and seek guidance from professionals who specialise in disability support to find the most suitable funding sources for their situation.

Our mentors come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you have a passion for supporting rangatahi and tamariki, regardless of your age or profession, you can apply to become a mentor. We believe that a strong mentor-mentee relationship can be incredibly impactful.

Getting involved is simple. Start by filling out the mentor application form on our website. Once we receive your application, we'll reach out to you for an interview and provide the necessary training to prepare you for your mentoring journey.

We offer comprehensive training that covers topics such as active listening, cultural sensitivity, effective communication, conflict resolution and understanding the unique challenges faced by rangatahi and tamariki. Our goal is to ensure mentors are well-equipped to support their mentees.

If you know a rangatahi or tamariki who could benefit from our mentoring program, you can refer them to us through the referral form on our website. We'll review the information and determine the best way to support them.

Yes, schools can refer tamariki and rangatahi directly to MacStrong if they have funding in place

Depending on the location of the tamariki or rangatahi, mentoring can either start within the week or in some areas there may be delay with mentor capacity due to demand. Where possible we try and get a mentor assigned as soon as possible or we can look to place them on a waiting list until there is a mentor available.