We would like to approach the conversation around youth substance use in an informed, realistic, and productive way. Join Youthline Wellington to understand what substance use and abuse looks like for our young people today, why they may be engaging in it, and how we can effectively educate and support young people surrounded by drug use. This event is proudly supported by Wellington City Council.

While this event is free admission, Youthline Wellington kindly asks that you bring a donation koha to this event so that we are able to continue holding free workshops for our community. We look forward to seeing you there!

Our speakers

Youthline Wellington is pleased to have AOD(alcohol and other drug) counsellors, Jhial McGregor and Keri Onyewu, speaking at this event.

Jhial McGregor

"I completed a BA in alcohol and drug studies in 2011, and have been working with at risk and substance affected Youth (11-25 year) around the Wellington region ever since. For the past three years I have worked at Kapiti Youth Support where I was brought in to run the NEET trial programme through MSD and then spent the last two years in a CEPAOD specific role. I love living here on the coast with my wife, two awesome children and a healthy Vinyl addiction."

Keri Onyewu

Keri trained as a psychiatric nurse in 1983 and for 10 years managed a 28-bed, acute admission ward . During this time he managed acute, in-patient detox programs for alcohol prescribed medications and illicit substances.

In 1996 he went on to qualify as a Counsellor and set up and ran Counselling services for 3 GP surgeries.

In 1999 he came to New Zealand and set up the Rotorua Early Intervention Service where he began to recognise the relationship between young people, socio-economic circumstances, and drug and alcohol abuse.

Since 2010 he has worked as a Counsellor at the Evolve Wellington Youth Service where he presently occupies the role of Specialist Youth Practitioner AOD/CEP and manages the Counselling team. Keri has a passion for health fitness and wellbeing and strives to integrate holistic modalities into his professional practice.