Work and study support for ages 18-24

Know where you want to go, but not sure how to get there?

Not sure you have what it takes or where to start?

We are here to help you get in a good place for work or study, on the career pathway of your choice.

E Ara E offers support for you to explore who you want to be, where you want to go, and what you need to get there.

We work closely with local employers and training providers to support you on the pathway of your choice.

Together, we will:      

• Develop skills and strategies that support your wellbeing

• Think about work or study pathways

• Take steps towards the future you want.

Once you get into the role you want, we can provide ongoing support. It’s up to you.

E Ara E is available to those 18 to 24 year old, experiencing wellbeing challenges. If you are living in Central or West Auckland and think E Ara might be a good fit for you, contact E Ara E or your MSD Case Manager.

Alternatively, contact us directly and we will check your eligibility with MSD.

Telephone: 09 520 8562
Email: worksupport@odyssey.org.nz

Once your Work and Income Case Manager has connected you with us, we will spend some time getting to know each other, understanding who you are and what you want to do.

You’ll get to meet and work with various members of our team – including wellbeing practitioners, employment and peer support specialists.

Our peer support specialists are people with lived experience, who have been in your shoes, and understand the steps on your journey. They’ll be there to walk alongside you, throughout your time with E Ara E.

Our E Ara E team works with you to:

• Develop a wellbeing plan

• Explore work, education, or training options

• Connect you to potential employers

• Help you to apply for and prepare for work e.g. support with writing a CV, practising interview skills, and meeting employers.

After joining the service, you’ll be invited to workshops with other people connecting with E Ara E. These workshops are run over three weeks, and are based at Te Tāwharau, our community hub in New Lynn. 

The workshops will cover things like:

• Understanding and managing emotions and wellbeing

• Creating routines

• Presenting yourself well and feeling good about yourself

• Te Whare Tapa Whā - an holistic way of looking at wellbeing. 

You can talk with us if have any worries about participating in the workshops, and we can look at other ways of supporting you.

The amount of time you spend with your E Ara E team will be based on what you need. You will have regular one-to-one meetings with your Employment Specialist. You can also have individual sessions with the wellbeing practitioners, if you think this might be useful. And the peer support team will check in with you throughout your time with us.

We can provide advice and support around transport and other costs related to starting work or study, and we will work with your Work and Income Case Manager to ensure you get your entitlements.

Once you’re in work or training, the team will stay in touch to support you in the early months and make sure everything is going ok.