CACTUS (Nelson) Programme

CACTUS is an acronym for Combine Adolescent Challenge Training Unit and Support. CACTUS (Nelson) is an initiative to develop and support youth to achieve goals and co-operate with others using physical activity as a vehicle to achieve these goals. CACTUS is run through the Youth and Community Facility Trust (The NewHub) in partnership with Youth Nelson, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson, Nelson College, Nelson College for Girls and Nelson Police's Youth and Community Section with Nayland College joining this year. CACTUS was introduced to the Nelson region in 2010 through funding from Nelson City Council's Physical Activity Fund. To date, four CACTUS (Nelson) courses have been successfully run with assistance from a successful COGS's application along with donations from public and private businesses, agencies and individuals. Support is sought to make the CACTUS (Nelson) courses an ongoing embedded initiative in Nelson due to the high success/outcomes of the participants so far.

The Programme
The programme aims to teach youth self discipline, direction, team work and motivation. Each programme runs for three sessions each week for eight weeks - finishing with 'Longest Day' graduation where participants combine all skills they have gained and celebrate their successes with family/friends/support networks. The evidence and outcomes based on past participants shows high level of other skills/confidences gained in progressing through the programme with nothing but positive/inspiring results. There is currently a waiting list of youth wanting to participate. The NewHub is proud to be apart of CACTUS programme.