Bay of Plenty

Te Moana-a-Toi

At RY Bay of Plenty, you can access one-on-one gender and sexuality peer support, hang out at our drop-in centre, join social groups to meet other rainbow young people, and use our free community wardrobe in a safe and inclusive space. Scroll down to discover more about RY Bay of Plenty.

Support Services

  • Sexuality Support

    Peer Support involves meeting one-on-one with a support worker either in person, virtually or over the phone. We provide strength-based peer support that considers hauora, resilience, cultural identities & individual journeys.

    Refer Here!

  • Social Groups

    Our social groups are smoke, alcohol & drug free spaces where young people can connect with one another in a friendly, supportive and inclusive environment. Each of our groups are youth-led and hosted by trained facilitators.

    Join a group!

Bay of Plenty Support Team

  • Leanne

    She/They | Regional Coordinator

    I’m queer and neurodivergent with a passion for creating systemic change. I’m also studying towards a postgraduate diploma in public health and spend my free time playing roller derby, crocheting, playing board games, and reading fantasy books.

  • Chels

    They/Them | Peer Support Worker

    Ko Chelsea tōku ingoa. Ko Kaurna, Ahitereiria ki te Tonga te whenua tupu. Ko Tauranga Moana te kāinga.

    I am passionate about holding space for you on your gender & sexuality journey. I have an amazing toddler, I have ADHD and I love to cuddle my cat and dog, crochet and make my whare as colourful as possible in my spare time.

Drop in Centre

Our drop-in centres are open to queer, intersex, takatāpui and gender diverse young people aged 27 and under, their friends and whānau, and the communities that support our young people too.

Here you can hang out, play games and access our free community wardrobe!

The Bay of Plenty drop in centre is open on Wednesdays from 2PM - 5.00PM & Fridays from 2PM-6PM. We are located on Suite 208/ 45 Grey street, Tauranga. Follow us on instagram for updates!

Our drop in centres are:

  • Gender inclusive and affirming: We might ask for your name and pronouns

  • Zero tolerance of racism, homophobia, transphobia, intersexphobia and biphobia

  • Respectful of privacy and boundaries: Photos are taken only with your permission and personal information is only shared or publicised with your knowledge

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance and toilet

  • Unlimited wifi

  • Smoke, drug and alcohol free spaces.

Contact: Bayofplenty@ry.org.nz

Stay up to date with events and updates at RY Bay of Plenty by following us on Instagram! @RYbayofplenty