Outreach Project

FRESH Outreach Program is a collaborative initiative between YCD alongside the Christchurch City Council aimed at providing taiohi across Ōtautahi with engaging recreational activities and taiohi focused events/activations in a safe and welcoming environment. The program seeks to eliminate common participation barriers by offering free, local, well-timed activities that are co-designed to cater to various needs. Additionally, the program acknowledges taiohi by providing wrap-around services, including Kaimahi Rangatahi/youth workers, to address physical, emotional, spiritual, and social wellbeing. The program features a diverse range of events, such as dance parties, pool parties, basketball competitions, dance competitions, talent quests, movie nights, workshops and more, all of which are free and inclusive.

 

Currently the FRESH Outreach team are operating from the Christchurch Bus Exchange, Lichfield Street, Christchurch (the old Intercity office) Here we have our Youth Hub “The Igloo” a safe space for young people to drop into in between catching the bus after school. This has been popular since opening in May 2024 and we have seen a number of young people visit from all areas including as far out as Rangiora, Lincoln and Rolleston. 
We also have services such as health providers, education and course options as well as an in-house DJ, barbers and hair braiders who rotate their services fortnightly as well as our friendly youth workers “The Polar Bears” onsite.
YOUTH HUB HOURS: Monday-Friday, 3pm-5pm. CLOSED Public Holidays.

The Igloo is Back at the Christchurch Bus Exchange for 2025.
The Igloo will be back in operation starting Monday 27th January, at the Christchurch Bus Exchange.

This space is designed especially for rangatahi, those who are new to the city, beginning high school, and using the Bus Exchange for transfers.
Our team invites you to stop by, meet our friendly staff, and get acquainted with the exchange. We’re here to answer your questions and provide support as you settle into your new routines.

Our team will be onsite from 3pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday, during the school term and throughout the term, we’ll be running a variety of fun activities to keep you engaged while waiting for your buses.

For parents and caregivers who’d like to learn more about The Igloo or have specific questions, you’re welcome to visit us in person or email tommyt@ycd.co.nz.

We’re looking forward to reconnecting with the community and welcoming new faces to The Igloo.

See you soon!

YCD would like to give a huge thank you to Grizzly Baked Goods here in Ōtautahi for the connection with our Igloo and the Polar Bear team.
They supply an assortment of delicious kai at the end of each day which includes a variety of sourdough breads, buns, bagels, donuts, cookies, and pastries, making them a popular hit with the taiohi at the Igloo.
This goes a very long way and we are extremely grateful to be able to provide kai to our young people, who are very thankful also.
If you are around Christchurch stop by and visit them for a coffee or bagel:
33 Buchan Street, 22 Welles Street and 56 Cashel Street, Christchurch.



We would also like to express our gratitude to Kairos Food Rescue for supplying a variety of ready-to-eat deli foods that are consistently popular with the IGLOO visitors.
Their kai, which includes an array of sandwiches, buns, fruit, and savoury snacks, not only provide convenience but also add a touch of culinary quality to our community. Their contributions greatly improve the Igloo experience, making each snack both enjoyable and satisfying for our taiohi.

Thank you for your support, we appreciate the network and are very grateful.