For Eva McLean, 18, getting involved with the Devonport Youth Forum has been a way to meet people, support local events, and explore her creativity.
The Bayswater resident joined the group in late 2023 after hearing about it from a friend.
“I found out about the Devonport Youth Forum from one of my friends who was involved in the group,” Eva says. “I had just moved to Bayswater around that time, so it felt like a nice new local activity. I kind of threw myself into it thinking community work sounded like a good thing to do. I ended up really enjoying it.”
The youth forum is run by The Rose Centre / Te Whare Rose, a community hub in Belmont that hosts classes, performances, events, and arts programmes for people of all ages. The centre also provides space for local groups like the forum to meet and collaborate. It receives support from Auckland Council, including the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, helping ensure it can continue offering accessible community and cultural activities.
“We meet up every second Wednesday at the Rose Centre,” Eva says. “We sit down, have some food, talk about what’s going on in our lives and organise events or come up with ideas for things we want to do.”
Since joining, Eva has helped with several community events, including the Bayswater Halloween Trail, where families follow a decorated neighbourhood route to enjoy spooky displays and collect treats.
“The Halloween Trail has probably been the most consistent event. It’s awesome. It’s really local and everyone enjoys it,” she says.
The forum has also given Eva opportunities to develop her creative interests.
“I helped make a mural at the entrance to the women’s bathroom for the youth forum, and I’m doing an exhibition at the Rose Centre as well,” she says. “I’ve got a lot of creative experience out of it, which is really awesome.”
Beyond the activities, Eva says the biggest benefit has been building connections.
“It’s shown me that I really value my connection with others and with people locally, and that’s something I want to take with me. Helping others and kind of paying it forward.”
Having graduated from high school last year, Eva is preparing to start a Bachelor of Arts in employment relations and art history at university. She hopes to keep attending the youth forum when she can and continue helping with events.
“I’d like to keep up with the youth forum and help out when I can,” she says. “It’s been a really nice outlet, something to do outside of school and work.”
She encourages other young people to give volunteering a try.
“If I hadn’t heard about it through my friend, I would have had no idea,” Eva says. “People always talk about how volunteering is good to do, but when you actually do it, you realise how enjoyable it is and how helping people is such a positive force.”
Those interested can check out what is happening at The Rose Centre / Te Whare Rose, where a wide range of classes, creative activities and community groups help bring locals together.
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