An Interview with Georgie Parry, Founder of The Coromandel Youth Mentors Programme
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Georgie Parry, the founder of The Coromandel Youth Mentors Programme (CYM). Georgie, a young woman who emigrated to New Zealand in August 2019, struck me as a deeply passionate and caring individual dedicated to her community. Originally from England, Georgie holds a degree in Criminology; however, her true calling emerged when she worked as a mental health advocate in the UK. Georgie had been contemplating starting a charity for several years so, after lockdown, she completed mentor training in Auckland.
Last year, Georgie became a mother, a transformative experience that cemented her desire to create a connected and supportive community for her son. During Georgie’s pregnancy, the local community’s support was a revelation. Strangers and acquaintances rallied around her, compensating for the absence of her family and support networks overseas. Georgie was profoundly humbled by this generosity and inspired to give back to the community that embraced her. She says, “My experiences as a mum have deepened my understanding of the importance of nurturing, which I bring into my work with the charity.”
While adults may view Mercury Bay as paradise, this perception doesn’t always align with the experiences of young people who lack opportunities, connections and pathways for a bright future. Georgie felt she could contribute to turning this situation around.
The primary goal of CYM is to foster a sense of community and help local rangatahi access the opportunities that exist within their own environment. Georgie hopes to bridge the sense of isolation and loneliness that many young people feel, exacerbated by the curated (un)realities of social media. She wants to ensure that when young people leave school, they find a place where they can thrive not just in their work lives, but socially as well.
CYM aims to connect rangatahi with mentors. Its kaupapa is youth-led, which is about asking young people what they want, and how they might see their futures. Being youth-led is what differentiates CYM from other services: rather than making assumptions about what youth want, the programme listens to them and facilitates their vision for the future.
Being youth-led is what differentiates CYM from other services: rather than making assumptions about what youth want, the programme listens to them and facilitates their vision for the future.
Additionally, most agencies are based out of town, each with different eligibility criteria. This creates issues because many rangatahi can’t leave town to access services. Additionally, they may not meet specific eligibility criteria, yet still have specific needs for their mental and social well-being.
CYM operates independently of other agencies and aims to be accessible to all rangatahi in the region. The programme initially focuses on Whitianga but plans to expand across the region. Despite its infancy, the programme is already making significant impacts. The CYM team are preparing their first mentor-mentee matches (9 mentors and 6 mentees), with initial mentor training and safety checks completed. They are actively seeking more mentors to meet growing demand. Mentors are people from all walks of life; the key ingredient is a desire to participate in community, by mentoring a young person.
Georgie refers to this as “to, through and away”: walking people to open new doors, through the hard stuff, and away from the negative.
By pairing youth and mentors, CYM can support and guide rangatahi to navigate life’s challenges. “Our goal is to bridge the gap created by physical distances and offer personalised support that gives rangatahi a sense of belonging,” Georgie explains.
The programme aims to build a stronger, more connected community.
“When young people feel supported and confident, they are more likely to contribute positively to their communities,” Georgie says. “We believe that mentoring can reduce delinquency and increase engagement in school and community activities, especially for those who feel isolated in our rural setting.”
Balancing the demands of running a charity with raising a child has been challenging yet rewarding for Georgie. She says it’s been a whirlwind, but the support from other parents and community members has been incredible.
CYM is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together. Georgie says, “We’re always looking for new volunteer mentors and support. If you’re interested in making a difference in a young person’s life, please reach out! Together, we can create a brighter future for our community and ensure our tamariki and rangatahi feel less isolated and more connected.”
Want to know more? Please contact Georgie at Georgie@cym.org.nz.
Words by Stella Pennell
