After discussions, about two years ago, the Youthline Otago board decided to assess what the needs of Otago’s regional centres were and expand services where it could.
The Oamaru office and the creation of Youthline Waitaki was the first step taken.
Youthline Otago manager Brian Lowe said the office would open in early September for one day a week and be manned by one person to start with.
The facility would offer counselling and serve people aged between 18 and 26.
People using youth services found that when they turned 18 and were classed as an adult they were unable to access services they had previously, and if they were not deemed at a high enough risk they were left to their own devices.
Some services were available to those people, but they were limited and might not be suitable for someone who had just turned 18 and left school and might not have a job.
"There’s nothing wrong with them — they just need some support because stuff happens and you just need to see someone who is external."
The issues identified in the Waitaki district were similar to elsewhere, such as people suffering from anxiety or depression.
