Hundreds of at-risk Canterbury teenagers will be among the first to benefit from a new Government fund designed to double the value of taxpayer investment in youth services.

Youth and South Island Minister James Meager has announced that Christchurch-based Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi is the first recipient of the Youth Development Partnership and Innovation Fund, receiving $750,000 to deliver an early intervention programme for more than 300 young people.

The funding is matched by $750,000 in co-funding from the Rātā Foundation and Wayne Francis Charitable Trust, bringing the total investment to $1.5 million.

Meager said co-funding alongside other organisations doubled the financial support flowing into the youth sector at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

“This provides twice the opportunity for young people to benefit from these initiatives at no additional taxpayer cost,” he said.

The 26 week programme will run across three years and target those aged 12 to 18, focusing on the transition from primary to secondary school and promoting sustained engagement in education for students at risk of disengaging.

Students will set goals, plan education pathways, receive one to one mentoring and take part in group activities aimed at building skills and confidence.

The provider will also act as a liaison between young people, their families and their schools, and connect them with other community organisations where needed.

Meager said the Government expected the programme to lift school attendance and academic performance, which he described as a key government priority.

He said the funding marked a new direction for the Ministry of Youth Development, with future support to go only to programmes that could demonstrate successful outcomes aligned with key government targets.

The Government is continuing to seek co-investors for the fund, and Meager is encouraging interested businesses or organisations to get in touch.