From Seeking Support to Empowerment
At Te Tahi Youth, we are privileged to walk alongside young people as they navigate their unique journeys. This story highlights the incredible growth and resilience of Noah, a young person who first accessed our services at 17 and is now preparing to transition out at nearly 24.
When Noah first arrived in Ōtautahi from the North Island, he was seeking affordable healthcare and found Te Tahi Youth. Initially drawn in by our no-cost services, Noah quickly discovered that Te Tahi Youth was more than just a clinic – it was a place of genuine care and support that became instrumental in his well-being.
Noah's health journey has been complex, requiring frequent visits and support from both the medical and mental health teams. “Even if I could afford a regular GP, they wouldn’t have been able to meet my needs the way Te Tahi has,” Noah shared. “The staff here go the extra mile, they know your background, and you never have to retell your story. It’s so personalised, and there’s no judgment - it’s a completely open environment.”
Through counselling, medical care, and gender-affirming support, Noah felt empowered to navigate adulthood and pursue his passion for psychology. With internal referrals and support from youth workers, Noah was able to access the right resources without the burden of starting from scratch each time.
One staff member, Louise, stood out as a key support person. “I’d look forward to coming in and chatting with her,” Noah recalled. “It wasn’t just about my health - it was about feeling seen and supported.”
Reflecting on his time at Te Tahi Youth, Noah acknowledges that the support he received was foundational to his success. “I genuinely don’t think I’d be here without Te Tahi. If I was, I wouldn’t be managing adulthood or studying for my psychology degree. The support I received gave me the building blocks to create a life I’m happy with.”
Now, as he prepares to finish his bachelor’s degree and pursue a master’s in clinical psychology, Noah faces the challenge of aging out of Te Tahi Youth's services. “I’m very sad. I’d pay to keep coming if that were an option. I genuinely don’t know how I’m going to find another practice that offers this level of care.”
For other young people considering reaching out for support, Noah offers this advice: “You can be nervous, but do it anyway. You don’t know how it’s going to work out unless you try. Doing it scared is fine. If you don’t open your curtains, you can’t see the friendly faces outside.”
To the team at Te Tahi Youth, Noah expresses deep gratitude: “Thank you for not just supporting me, but empowering me to grow and change. I’ve gained life skills that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. You didn’t do things on my behalf - you gave me the tools to fly on my own.”
Image: Noah and Louise