A new trust which empowers young people to discover their true potential is officially launching in Mount Maunganui this week.

The vision of the Live for More Charitable Trust is to empower young people, aged 17-25, to find freedom from lifestyles of alcohol, drugs and crime, and showing them there is much more to life.

Live for More Charitable Trust founder Krista Davis. Photo: Chris Callinan

Trust founder, director and board member Krista Davis says the official launch is taking place at Classic Flyers on from 7pm.

'The launch will see us share Live for More's vision going forward, what we want to achieve in the future and to explain our practical needs to kick start the trust,” she says.

'We've invited about 100 guests so it'll also involve a bit of a meet and greet, and while the launch is open to the public spaces are very limited.”

Established in August of last year, Live for More provides one-on-one clinical support for young people, which includes a full assessment, goal setting and treatment plan.

The trust also runs a Surf Therapy Programme which gets young people onto the waves to experience the natural high of surfing.

Krista says currently there's a huge gap in the system when it comes to supporting young people aged 17-25 which the trust is hoping to fill.

'There's a lot of support for young people up to the age of 16, but soon as they turn 17 they fall through the cracks. The irony is that's the age when they genuinely want to start making changes.”

The evening will also feature presentations from Live for More board member Bryan Winters, and guest speakers Tumatauenga Mane and Kael Tuhimata.

Krista explains Tumatauenga and Kael come from similar backgrounds to the young people the trust will work with but both have now turned their lives around.

'They're now mentors who help others and have been involved with work I've carried out previously with young people. They understand the need for organisations like this and support the cause.”

The Live for More Charitable Trust official launch takes place on Friday at Classic Flyers in Mount Maunganui from 7pm. For more information visit: www.liveformore.org.nz