Youth Peer Support

Youth Peer Community Spaces

Looking for a space where you can connect, create, and feel understood?
Peer Tree, also known as Youth Peer, is a peer-led initiative by Kites Trust for young adults aged
18–30, focused on mental wellbeing as Tangata Whai Ora. These spaces are created and facilitated by peers in the same age range, bringing lived experience and a commitment to support. Our facilitators are trained to hold safe, inclusive spaces. It’s about connection, creativity, and community.

Our Story: Born from a 2014 service-user forum, Peer Tree has grown into a vibrant, user-led community. Over the years, it has built a safe, stigma-free environment, sparked peer leadership, strengthened whanaungatanga (connection), inspired volunteer involvement, and even created offshoot groups and friendships. Now this is a paid Peer Facilitator led initiative.

Youth Peer spaces are designed for:

• Young adults Tangata Whai Ora aged 18–30 who want connection and community.

• People who enjoy engaging and participating in a collective space.

• Anyone keen to meet new people or make friends in a safe, welcoming environment.

• People who are willing to follow our code of conduct to help make a caring space for everyone.

Why Youth Peer Support?

Peer Support can make a real difference when things feel hard.
Here’s what you might experience:

• Make friends

• Try new things

• Build and serve in your community

• Have fun

• Have something to look forward to

• Connect with people your age who want to listen and share

• Meet others who have experienced similar things

• Increase hope

• Reduce isolation

• Express yourself through art and hands-on activities

• Grow as a leader

• Be part of a safe, stigma-free community

• Strengthen whanaungatanga (connection)

• Explore opportunities to volunteer or lead initiatives