Our Mission
Believe in Potential is dedicated to supporting and empowering at-risk youth throughout Australia. Our mission is grounded in the belief that every young person deserves access to resources and opportunities that foster their potential and enable them to thrive. This is a transformative endeavour that promises significant returns in the form of positive social impact and strengthened communities.
Inspiration & Approach
Drawing on her extensive academic background, including a Master’s degree and ongoing Ph.D. studies in social work, as well as her rich personal experiences, Our Director Birgette is the driving force behind the creation of Believe in Potential. Through her work with at-risk youth organisations and firsthand encounters with the challenges faced by young people, Birgette recognised the critical need for additional support and resources in this space.
Believe in Potential
Although not exclusively, we focus on 5 key pillars
At Believe in Potential, our holistic approach, informed by research, professional insights and personal experiences will lead to positive change and brighter futures for young people across the country.
Social Worker Development
Recognising the vital role of professionals in supporting at-risk youth, we will provide comprehensive training programmes aimed at upskilling social workers and professionals in the youth support sector. These programmes will equip social workers and their organisisations with essential tools for effective communication, trauma-informed practices, cultural sensitivity, and resilience building.
Youth-Centred Counselling Service
Our counselling service is designed to create a safe and welcoming environment specifically tailored to the needs of high-risk youth. Informed by extensive research and feedback from at-risk youth themselves, our approach incorporates elements such as music, calming environments, and culturally affirming practices to ensure that youth feel valued, understood, and supported on their journey towards healing and empowerment.
Transitional & Truancy Support
Recognising the challenges faced by at-risk youth during transitional periods, such as moving between schools or struggling with truancy, we will implement tailored programmes aimed at providing educational and vocational support. These programmes will focus on building skills, fostering resilience, and empowering young people to navigate these transitions successfully.
Community Suicide Prevention Workshops
In collaboration with schools we will conduct interventions on suicide prevention, aimed at raising awareness, providing support, and building resilience within communities. These interventions will cover topics such as recognising signs of suicide, preventive measures, community approaches, and the role of professionals in prevention efforts.
Emergency Care Minding Services
Understanding the urgent needs of at-risk youth, we are introducing round-the-clock emergency care minding services across Auckland, available seven days a week. Our dedicated team of trained professionals will be on standby to respond to crisis situations promptly.
Mentoring Services for Youth
Mentoring individual and group offered. At Believe in Potential, our mentoring service provides young people with consistent, strengths-based support to help them build confidence, resilience, and life skills. We work alongside each individual to develop positive relationships, achieve personal goals, improve wellbeing, and increase engagement with education, employment, family, and the community. Our mentors provide practical guidance, advocacy, and encouragement in a safe, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed environment, empowering young people to reach their full potential.
Community Suicide Prevention Workshops
In collaboration with schools, iwi, hapu, and whanau, we will conduct interventions on suicide prevention, aimed at raising awareness, providing support, and building resilience within communities. These interventions will cover topics such as recognising signs of suicide, preventive measures, community approaches, and the role of professionals in prevention efforts.
Emergency Care Minding Services
Understanding the urgent needs of at-risk youth, we are introducing round-the-clock emergency care minding services across Auckland, available seven days a week. Our dedicated team of trained professionals will be on standby to respond to crisis situations promptly.
Collaboration Actions
Believe in Potential recognises that effective collaboration is a driving force behind successful initiatives. Believe in Potential’s approach seeks to collaborate with stakeholders across sectors, including schools, community organisations, and government agencies, to implement comprehensive solutions that address the multifaceted challenges facing at-risk youth. Together, we can empower youth, strengthen their connections with their communities, foster resilience in the face of adversity, and create a safer, more supportive, and inclusive environment where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
Benefits to Australian Community
The establishment of Believe in Potential will bring significant benefits to Australia’s youth workers, schools and existing organisations in the youth support sector. By providing additional resources, training, and support, we will enhance the capacity of professionals to effectively support at-risk youth, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and brighter futures for young people across the country.
Believe in Potential will not only address critical gaps in the well-being and development of at-risk youth but also contribute to the overall resilience and strength of Australian communities.
Believe In Potentials
Believe in Potential is poised to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of at-risk youth and the social sector at large in Australia. With the Trust’s expertise, passion, and commitment driving our efforts, we are confident that our holistic approach, informed by research, professional insights and personal experiences will lead to positive change and brighter futures for young people across the country.