Rubicon Youth –
Substance abuse program that sees the bigger picture
Started in 2000, Rubicon Youth is a youth substance abuse program where professionals work alongside youth to help them overcome their struggles with addiction.
Accessible through high schools, GP’s, other health and educational professionals in Whangarei, Kaipara and Far North.
We approach the drug and alcohol problems from a holistic health perspective in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Rubicon Youth was formed as means of mentoring and counselling young people to help minimise harm reduction and to encourage them to see how education can unlock a positive future.
We help address the stigma around drug and alcohol support
We’re dedicated to supporting young people and to let them know it’s ok to take the first step and ask for help.
Our team are approachable, supportive, and non-judgemental, and have created a welcoming environment where young people can work towards moving away from substance abuse at their own pace.
Aims and objectives
We work alongside youth so they can:
- Develop emotional well-being and lifestyle balance
- Remain in school
- Be drug and alcohol free
- Develop healthy recreational pursuits
- Develop life skills that support them into their future
- Be actively involved in their community
- Develop positive relationships with self, family/whanau, friends, and others.
Our core values
Confidentiality
You can trust us
Youth Empowerment
We give you tools to make informed choices
Education
Helping youth see that education can unlock a positive future
Health & Wellbeing
Encouraging and role modelling a healthy lifestyle
Fostering Potential
Working with youth to help them realise their strengths
Social Inclusion
Providing positive social experiences that promote belonging
The process/how it works
Health-focussed approach to alcohol and other drug abuse
Our approach is to look at each young person in a holistic way, paying attention to their general health and factors in their environment to identify health issues or trauma experience which may be contributing to their substance abuse.
Mobile service
Our counsellors can meet with young people at their school, home or at our office – whatever our clients feel most comfortable with.
Working with Blue Light
The team at Rubicon Youth work in conjunction with police at Blue Light who organise a range of activities that help foster a strong sense of belonging and self-worth.
Success Stories
One of the best things about our job is when clients come back to see us and share their stories. We’ve seen young people go from strength to strength, moving forward from their time with us and demonstrating the life skills and confidence they gained here at Rubicon.
