Welcome to the I Am Hope newsletter — where the power of community and generosity keeps our rangatahi supported, heard, and cared for.
Thanks to supporters like you, 3,353 free counselling sessions were delivered to young people across Aotearoa last month. Our ambassadors, Ruby and Noah, also hit the road visiting schools, creating safe spaces for young people to share their experiences and know their feelings matter.
π Little People, Big Feelings School Visits
In August, Ruby and Noah visited six schools, speaking to approximately 2,410 primary students as part of our Little People Big Feelings programme:
• Tamaoho School
• Willowbank School
• Macleans Primary School
• Balmoral SDA School
• WhangamatΔ Area School
• Coromandel Area School
At WhangamatΔ Area School, Ruby and Michaiah shared their experiences with Year 11–13 girls around self-esteem:
“It was wonderful having Ruby and Michaiah share with our senior girls about their past experiences that have shaped them and made them stronger. It was so refreshing for our wahine to hear from great role models of positive strategies to help build self-esteem and get through tough days. A big ‘aha’ moment was realising that everyone has the ability to control your negative self-voice and make a habit of turning it to positive.”– Anna Jolly, Deputy Principal
The sessions with primary students were equally well-received, inspiring kids to think positively about their emotions.
Gumboot Friday is coming up on 7 November
π’ Get involved with New Zealand’s most iconic youth mental health day!
Gumboot Friday is back, just around the corner. Walking with depression can feel like slogging through thick mud, but together, we can show young people they’re not alone.
Step into your gumboots, join your schools or communities, and help shine a light for tamariki — letting them know support is available and it’s okay to reach out.
Hi! Alex, 9 years old, is cutting off his mullet — all of it — to raise $10,000 for I Am Hope. This is in memory of his Uncle Sammy, who tragically took his life just 12 days before Alex was born.
“I want to make sure other kids don’t have to miss their cool uncles like I do. No one should feel alone, and no one should be left behind.” – Alex
πβοΈ Morgan Bartram: 390km for Youth Mental Health
In September, endurance athlete Morgan Bartram completed a mindboggling 390km around Hagley Park South in Christchurch, raising awareness for youth mental health and the impact of suicide. Over the first three days, he pushed through excruciating injuries and only 7 hours of sleep, showing extraordinary resilience and commitment.
The challenge was also a nationwide call to action — Kiwis were invited to take part in the “What’s Your Six Seventeen?” challenge, doing something bold and meaningful in honour of those lost and those still fighting.
“Most people can’t imagine running 6km, let alone 390. But he’s out there, in the cold, the rain, pushing through day after day — all to remind young people they matter.” – Mike King
In 2024, Georgia, our vibrant and beautiful young angel, tragically took her own life after years of mental health struggles. Her aunt, Cynthia Piper, is walking 500km from Burgos to Santiago across northern Spain to raise funds for I Am Hope in her memory.
“Please help the next ‘G’ who needs our unconditional love and support.” – Cynthia Piper
π¨ Liam’s Art Packs a Punch for Youth Mental Health
Liam Drakes boxing paintings raised an incredible $2,615 to support young Kiwis. Inspired by the life-changing impact of both boxing and counselling in his own journey, Liam uses art to honour his heroes and give back.
I Am Hope Foundation, PO BOX 10271, Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland 1446, New Zealand
