April has been full-on. We’re well and truly into the thick of it now — back into schools, out in communities, and continuing to make sure our young people know they’re not alone.
π« Hope in Schools
Our amazing ambassadors Ruby and Noah have been back out on the road, bringing Little People, Big Feelings into classrooms across Aotearoa.
In April, they visited Homai School in South Auckland, South Westland Area School in Hari Hari, and Hokitika Primary on the West Coast — covering some serious ground and connecting with tamariki and school communities right across the motu.
Even with the school holidays in the mix, the momentum hasn’t slowed. Term time has been packed with meaningful kΕrero — helping young people understand their emotions, talk about what they’re feeling, and learn that it’s okay to feel whatever they feel.
These are simple conversations, but they matter. They build confidence early and create space for kids to feel safe being themselves.
None of this would be possible without the support of our Principal Partner, the Wright Family Foundation. π
Gumboot Friday: March in Motion
In March, Gumboot Friday continued to support young people across Aotearoa with free, accessible counselling.
Here’s the March breakdown:
602
young people
aged 5–11
(29%)
623
young people
aged 12–17
(30%)
834
young people
aged 18–25
(41%)
Every session is free, requires no referral, and is chosen by the young person from our network of registered counsellors.
Your support keeps this all moving — making sure young people can access help when they need it, without barriers.
We’re incredibly grateful for every person who backs this kaupapa.
NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO?
We’re here to listen. Free counselling is available now for young people 25 and under. Choose a counsellor who feels right for you.
I wrote this piece because I’m sick of watching families raising neurodiverse kids get judged from the outside, while doing the hardest work of any of us behind closed doors.
Since it ran, I’ve had a flood of messages from parents and whΔnau right across Aotearoa.
Not hot takes — real stories. Exhaustion. Worry. Shame. And the same theme over and over: “People have no idea what this is like.”
Support for neurodiverse families can’t be treated like a side issue. This is daily life for a lot of New Zealanders, and too many are carrying it with little support and even less understanding. We can do better than that.
School is back in session and we are excited to come to yours!
This term, our ambassadors will be in schools across the country, from big city schools with hundreds of students, to small rural schools with only a handful of kids. No matter how big or small the school, we love getting to spread our message of hope!
We still have space for local schools, so if you're based in Auckland and are keen to have our ambassadors visit and speak with your students, enquire today for a free school visit from our team by emailing ruby@iamhope.org.nz or via our website: www.iamhope.org.nz/school
Get in quick!
In the Community
Treading Water
π₯ Real Stories, Real Voices
Melie Kerr’s Treading Water series continues to be something really special.
Through honest, raw conversations with well-known Kiwis and everyday people, the series creates a space where mental health can be talked about openly — without judgement.
Melie’s own journey is what sparked it, and that honesty runs through every episode. Alongside everything she’s doing in cricket, she’s put her heart and soul into this — and we’re thrilled to support her.
A Canterbury community recently came together in honour of 17-year-old Justin, with his grandfather Jimmy Gifford leading a fundraiser to support youth mental health.
What Jimmy and his whΔnau have done — turning such deep loss into something that helps others — is incredibly humbling.
“These are the moments that remind us what community really looks like,” Mike said. “People stepping up to support others, even in their hardest moments.”
Our thoughts are with Justin’s family. We’re grateful for their strength, and for choosing to support other young people in his name.
Keep an eye out — you might spot something pretty special out there.
The team at TR Group have rolled I Am Hope into their rental fleet, helping take our message right across the country. Seeing it out there, moving through our communities, is something else.
The more visible this kaupapa is, the more it reminds people that help is there — and that these conversations matter. Huge thanks to TR Group for backing our rangatahi in such a bold way.
Thank you for visiting us at Kiwitea School. We loved having you come and share your important messages. The students have really enjoyed re-reading their books and been having lots of great discussions. THANK YOU!
Giving Back
π‘ One Sale at a Time
Huge shoutout to Kate McCormick in Hawke’s Bay, who continues to support I Am Hope in such a genuine way. With every property sale, Kate donates the value of a counselling session — quietly backing young people through her work. It’s simple, consistent, and makes a real difference. What an amazing lady. Give her a follow: @katemccormickpropertybrokers
King’s High School
π’ 24 Hours for Our Kids
Photo: Stephen Jaquiery
In late March, around 50 King’s High School students took on a 24-hour gumboot run — raising funds and awareness for youth mental health. Running in shifts right through the night, supported by their school community, they showed exactly what this kaupapa is about — backing each other, showing up, and standing shoulder to shoulder for their mates.
There’s something incredibly powerful about young people stepping up for each other like this. Young people recognising what their mates are going through and choosing to step up — not because they have to, but because they get it. That’s the real good stuff right there.
Christchurch Street Society
π Drive-In for a Cause
Photo: @ana.kin14
Huge thanks to Christchurch Street Society for hosting a car-themed drive-in movie night in support of I Am Hope. Cool cars, great food, and a community coming together for a good cause — we love it. π€
What NOT to say to
someone with depression
Instead of...
"What have you got to be depressed about?"
Say...
"I didn't realise you were having a hard time. Is there anything I can do to help?"
For free counselling support for young people 25 and under, visit gumbootfriday.org.nz.
Travel With Purpose
π Sri Lanka
Join us this November for a 14-day journey through Sri Lanka — exploring incredible landscapes, culture, and experiences, all while supporting youth mental health. From ancient cities to coastal escapes, it’s a trip that’ll create memories for a lifetime and gives back.
Great to catch up with Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey at our stand at the Oxford A&P Show last Saturday. Rural communities are a huge part of this conversation when it comes to access to support — and it was awesome to be out there talking to people about what we do. Also, a bit of fun never hurts — our Gumboot Pong was a hit. π
Lads Who Lunch
π½οΈ Sails Restaurant
A great chance to connect, meet new people, and support a good cause.
130+ men, great food, and a relaxed afternoon of conversation and connection.
π Wednesday 6 May
π Sails Restaurant, Westhaven
