Outcomes from our pilot COHORT incubator
Core learnings we found
Engineered confidence
Throughout the COHORT programme, The Hyphen Project team worked alongside each rangatahi, helping them build a deep, foundational self-confidence. This confidence was grounded in their identity, their strengths, and their ability to navigate the world around them. With this solid base, they were empowered to begin exploring and developing their unique talents.
Whānau impact
The impact extended beyond the rangatahi - it rippled onto their families who felt a sense of relief as the daily struggle of having to explain or advocate for their teen began to fade. Parents found space to breathe, reconnect with their own interests, and reclaim parts of them that had been sidelined for too long.
The importance of environment
The physical and emotional environment we created served as ground for change. For many rangatahi, it was the first place they truly felt a sense of belonging. This sense of safety and acceptance was critical — it allowed them to lower their guard, be themselves, and begin to grow.
Passion work
We found that rangatahi thrived when they could work at their own pace, chipping away at projects that mattered to them. By offering small, meaningful opportunities at just the right time, we saw them lean in, build momentum, and take ownership of their journey.
Where we saw success
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Commitment to engagement and communication
All six rangatahi remained actively involved through to the end of the programme.
Developed habits of daily check-ins, sharing emotional states and achievements unprompted.
Overcame major health and emotional challenges while staying engaged.
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Progress beyond the incubator
Improved relationships at home and increased family harmony.
Greater independence with public transport and daily errands.
Started initiating and participating in social activities outside the programme.
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New skills and first-time experiences
Took part in activities they once found overwhelming — and began to lead them.
Gained experience in presenting, running workshops, and chairing meetings.
Built creative and professional skills like filmmaking, writing, and industry networking.
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Confidence, connection, and collaboration
Rangatahi initiated social events and laughed more often — signs of growing joy and ease.
Encouraged and supported each other through peer feedback and shared achievements.
Self-organised group efforts like tidying up and expressed needs more confidently.
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Emotional growth and resilience
Expressing emotions became safer, reducing emotional outbursts.
Recovered more quickly from challenges and adapted to unexpected changes.
Showed greater emotional stamina through increased participation in structured activities.
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Readiness for the future
Future planning (jobs, study, independence) became less intimidating.
Began to view milestones as real and achievable.
Productivity and focus on self-directed projects improved significantly.
Impact for Rangatahi:
Rangatahi experienced significant growth in confidence, independence, communication, and engagement with life.
They moved from feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or withdrawn to initiating social connections, trying new things, and confidently engaging in self-directed work.
With personalised support, a safe and inclusive environment, and genuine relationships with a knowledgeable, empathetic team, every rangatahi made tangible progress toward their academic, creative, and career goals.
Learner’s licence test!
Increased independence: Confidently managing morning routines, using public transport — even to meet friends.
Greater responsibility: Helping with chores like hanging washing, grocery shopping, and attending appointments.
Improved emotional resilience: Parents reported stronger self-belief, clearer identity, and more creative self-expression.
Stronger self-efficacy: Began to believe they could do hard things and live independently in the future.
Tackling challenges: Overwhelming tasks became achievable — even those outside their interest area or under time pressure.
Self-awareness: Gained a deeper understanding of how their brain works and how to work with it.
Stamina and engagement: Able to participate meaningfully in full days of structured activity.
Impact for Parents
Parents and caregivers experienced significant relief and restoration as a result of their teen’s involvement in the programme. Many spoke of a renewed sense of calm, connection, and hope — both at home and in themselves.
Eased daily stress: Mornings became smoother, and families no longer had to advocate constantly on behalf of their teen.
Reclaimed personal time: With fewer emotional and logistical burdens, parents reconnected with neglected hobbies and self-care.
Peace of mind: Seeing their teen supported and thriving brought emotional relief and renewed confidence.
Sense of community: Having The Hyphen Project team "on their side" created a shared understanding and deeper sense of belonging.
Positive family dynamic: A more harmonious home environment emerged, with improved communication and connection.
Renewed hope for the future: Parents gained a more optimistic outlook on their teen’s path forward — academically, socially, and personally.
“You provide a creative learning space for neurodivergent young people to develop, independence, self-confidence and their individual passions.”
“The care and support that is provided to every member of the cohort is exceptional and will have a lasting impact on everyone involved.”
What We Did
We delivered an intensive programme designed to support talented neurodivergent rangatahi to transition out of crisis and into confidence, growth, and purpose.
Our approach focused on:
Creating a safe, supportive environment where rangatahi could feel secure enough to explore and grow.
Facilitating skill-building and real-world experiences that aligned with their interests and goals.
Framing neurodivergence as a strength, using compelling, relatable examples to shift perception.
Encouraging independence through daily routines, decision-making, and responsibility.
Fostering resilience by guiding them through challenges in a supportive, adaptive way.
Validating their abilities and strengths, helping them see their value and potential.
Co-designing future pathways so they could envision meaningful contribution through study, creativity, or work.