Meet the support team

Our team is small, but we pack a lot of punch! Together, we deliver social work support and youth development programmes to achieve holistic wellbeing. Each individual is qualified and experienced, and all with a particular niche. Together, we create a team that is able to provide a range of social support services to Hutt Valley youth.

Sahra Birtwistle

Programme Development Coordinator

I joined the Vibe Support Team in February of 2016 as one of the Programme Development Coordinators. I’m responsible for creating, developing and delivering workshops and programmes aimed at supporting, educating, and empowering the young people of the Hutt Valley region. I’m also currently studying a degree in Social Work part time. My previous work experience has included youth phone counselling and group supervision, workshop facilitation, and family accommodation coordination. My passion in life is to empower and create supportive communities for our young people, where they feel valued, cared for and have the resources to pursue their dreams. I feel incredibly privileged to be part of an organisation where I can directly support the young people of the community and work with some amazing and passionate youth work professionals

Jarad Westrupp

Peer Support Worker

My name is Jarad and I joined the team at Vibe in 2015. I hold a belief in the fact that all young should be given the opportunity to learn, grow and develop. I also believe peer-support could be one of the greatest learning experiences in an individual’s quest for wellbeing on their journey. Although my background consists heavily of being involved in the music industry, I have first-hand experienced and witnessed stories that are relatable to the young people today, which is why I find building relationships and connecting that young person with the support they need, a privilege.

Samara Heffernan

Youth Development Worker

I am the newest addition to the Youth Development Team at Vibe, I started in May 2017 and my role involves one-on-one support, health promotion and programme facilitation. I am a qualified social worker with experience in mental health and addictions – working as a drug and alcohol counsellor before shifting over to my role at Vibe. I enjoy working with young people, supporting them to make informed decisions, achieve life goals and flourish in their communities.

Lower Hutt: 04 566 0525