How to help young people form healthy identities

Sue Bagshaw and the Collaborative Trust Youth Tutors

Much research and thought has gone into what contributes to Identity. Erikson said that identity formation is the sole purpose of the developmental stage of young people. The Mauri or life spark that fuels who we are is affected by many things. It is vital that people working with young people aid them to develop a strong sense of identity in a strengths based way.

Some of the ways that have helped three different young people develop identity through many difficulties will be presented by them. Other delegates who come to the workshop will be invited to share stories of the factors that contributed to their identity formation so that we all can learn from each other.

Delegates will learn:

• About identity and the different things that contribute to it including the importance of whakapapa

• How young people discover their identity

• How to aid the development of a strong identity even through adversity