Youth Health in Schools Programme:

At Te Tahi Youth, we understand how vital it is for students to have easy access to healthcare, especially when health issues can sometimes keep them from fully engaging in their education. Our Youth Health in Schools programme provides on-site healthcare services to secondary schools across Ōtautahi, helping students stay engaged and connected with their learning while also addressing their health concerns. By working directly in schools, we aim to reduce time spent away from class due to health issues and make it easier for rangatahi to receive the support they need.

Our youth health nurses partner closely with school staff, students, and their whānau to strengthen school health teams and assist families in navigating healthcare options. The services we offer are tailored to the unique needs of young people, ranging from sexual health clinics and mental health support to advice on smoking, vaping, and drug use. We provide comprehensive health assessments that not only focus on physical health but also address social and family stressors, ensuring that students receive holistic care. We also offer gender-affirming advice to ensure that all rangatahi feel supported in their health journeys.

Currently, our services are available at a number of secondary schools across the region, including Lincoln High School, Ellesmere College, Rolleston College, St Thomas of Canterbury, Villa Maria College, Kaiapoi High School, Papanui High School, and Hagley College. We’re committed to ensuring that healthcare is easy to access, and by offering services directly on-site, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students.

As part of our ongoing work to enhance this programme, we’re excited to introduce two new members of our youth health team: Laura Spearson and Olivia Gillian. Both bring a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for working with rangatahi.

Laura is based at Villa Maria College and Rolleston College. Her nursing journey began in the Neonatal and Paediatric ward at Wairau Hospital, but after discovering her passion for working with young people and their families, she moved to Ōtautahi to focus on youth health. Laura joined our team in early 2025 and is dedicated to providing support across sexual, mental, and physical health. She is passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment for rangatahi, where they can receive the care they need without judgment or stigma.

Olivia, originally from the UK, studied nursing in Auckland and moved to Ōtautahi with her young son. She works at Papanui High School, Kaiapoi High School, and Hagley College, providing health support and guidance to students. Her role includes general health checks, mental health support, sexual health advice, and helping students connect with the services they need. Olivia is passionate about making healthcare accessible and empowering rangatahi to take control of their health, helping them feel heard, supported, and confident in managing their well-being.

If you’re interested in bringing the Youth Health in Schools programme to your secondary school, we’d love to hear from you. Our team is eager to collaborate with schools to provide the healthcare services that students need to thrive in their education and overall well-being. For more information, please get in touch with Toby, our YHIS Lead.