Youthline work challenge 'rewarding'

DELIA RILEY

Relevant offers

Features

Kina in war against invader No glory without mum 'Silver tsunami' in US Boat-sinking mystery to be remembered The Don moves on Tracking down truants 'Best festival' grows The final hammer From humble beginnings Gold Guitars have flourished Inviting new home for city workers

Making a change and moving is not easy. Reporter Alana Dixon speaks to the new Youthline Southland co-ordinator about her new job.

Living in Southland can be isolating. Having someone at the end of the phone to speak to can make all the difference, according to Delia Riley.

Ms Riley started work at Youthline Southland in November as training and volunteer co-ordinator. Before her role at Youthline, she had worked in radio for about 13 years, spread over Christchurch, Wellington, Taranaki and Blenheim, before moving south seven years ago.

She left her creative director job at RadioWorks to take up the challenge of working for Youthline, a nationwide organisation that provides phone counselling and other services for youths and their families.

"I just felt like it was time for a change, and time to make a move," she said.

Young people in Southland were facing the same problems as others around the country, such as financial issues, gaps in the health system and substance abuse.

Living in a largely rural-based province such as Southland could leave people feeling isolated and in need of a chat, she said.

"24 hours a day, seven days a week, there is someone at the other end of the phone."

The main focus of Ms Riley's job at the moment is expanding the core volunteer base to about 20.

People wishing to train as a volunteer were eagerly sought after, she said.

Staff had to be able to listen with compassion to people from all walks of life.

Ms Riley said maintaining a tidy desk wasn't as important.

"My desk looks like a bomb's hit it. I always say I'll clean it up tomorrow."

Her job involves ensuring the day-to-day running of the branch goes smoothly, and she spends much of her time making sure people get the service they need, meeting with community groups, making referrals and organising resources. It was a busy – but rewarding – job, she said.

In her Youthline Southland job she works four hours a day, four days a week. The rest of the time Ms Riley is working in another important role – as a mum.

With two children under 5, Ms Riley is as busy out of the office as she is in it. Looking after two young children was always a challenge, Ms Riley said, because it took up much of her time.

"It's all about the kids at the moment," she said.

On top of being a mother, Ms Riley said she also enjoyed a spot of gardening and catching up with friends.

"I do like a bit of me time – but me time is usually hard to organise."

- © Fairfax NZ News