Normalising Mental Health
It’s just a conversation

At I AM HOPE, our mission is simple yet wide-reaching: to help reshape attitudes towards mental health across Aotearoa and to give every young person the confidence to speak up. Too many of our rangatahi wrestle with harsh self-talk and runaway thoughts that leave them feeling isolated.

When young people realise these thoughts are universal, they’re more willing to seek help. We show them they’re not alone and connect them with support.

Giving our Young Hope, as Advocates, as Friends and with Counsellors

Over the past 10 years, we have spoken and listened to over 400,000 young people in schools from the top to the bottom of New Zealand.

We have created learning material for our youngest kids, trained struggling youth with barbering and barista courses, and enabled free counselling for over 40,000 young people.

When young people realise that self-doubt and over-thinking are common, they’re more likely to reach out for professional help sooner—both now and later in life.

Activities in Schools

From primary to high schools, I AM HOPE generates conversations that normalise self-doubt and distress, while offering real support.

Going into Schools
Discover what we do

Hope in Community

Mental health is a community problem, and needs a community solution. That’s why all across the country, amazing Kiwis are working with us, making a difference as part of the team.

Community Kōrero
Raise awareness with us
Gumboot Friday
FREE and timely counselling for young people across Aotearoa on their mental health journey

When we started going into schools, we quickly learned that some young people needed more than just a chat. As our budget for sponsoring counselling blew up, we knew something had to change. From this, Gumboot Friday was born.

Since its inception, Gumboot Friday has sponsored over NZ$17.5 million on counselling for over 40,000 rangatahi, and it’s only getting bigger.

Our goal has always been that any child in New Zealand can quickly get the help they want when they need it - no questions asked.

Gumboot Friday Website

It is because of our generous partners that we can continue our mission

All across the country, amazing organisations have stepped up to support our youth. The financial and technical assistance of our partners is what powers us to change the face of New Zealand.

If you think this is you or your organisation, don’t hesitate to get involved. Your support is vital. Contact us here.

Our People

Every member of the I AM HOPE Team understands our cause because of their own experiences. We all personally know how much it matters to change the youth mental health conversation in New Zealand.

Mike King
Founding Ambassador
I am dedicated to driving a positive change in societal attitudes towards mental health and ensuring a better future for our young people.
Michelle Cogger
Administration Ambassador
I love being part of I Am Hope because it enables me to be part of a positive team that gives our young people hope and to help families find hope after loss.
Michaiah Simmons
Events Manager
I lost my partner to suicide when I was younger and know first hand the devastation that lack of support when struggling with mental health causes. As a survivor of my own battles, I am a passionate advocate for timely support for young people. I'm grateful for the opportunity to use my expertise for something I really believe in.
Dallas Gopi
Funding & Partnerships
Prior to coming on board with Mike back in 2015 I always thought the mental well-being of our kids was someone else’s problem. It wasn’t long before I realised that our kids were not the problem, but an integral part of the solution. To be part of a team who are dedicated to helping our kids get to a better place has been an incredibly rewarding and fascinating journey.
Rick Wells
Partnerships
I take great pleasure in working with Mike and the team at I Am Hope, where I can contribute to supporting the younger generation. The I Am Hope team's combined efforts aim to empower and inspire youth, providing them with the tools they need to face challenges and thrive in today's world.
Mana Ashford
Sponsorships & Partnerships
Kia ora whānau! I'm Mana Ashford, living the dream at I Am Hope in Sponsorships and Partnerships, where I get to bust moves and break stigmas. From Little People Big Feelings to Gumboot Friday, we're all about normalising mental health. By the way, I'm probably the best dancer in the organisation so If you find yourself in a position to help and you're not, then let's groove and grow together! Talk to me!
Richie Barnett
Culture & well-being Ambassador
I love working with I Am Hope because I get to work alongside amazing NZers who care and want the best for our children  by understanding and listening to the needs of our children in order to improve well-being in Aotearoa.
Noah Jones
HOPE Ambassador
Kia Ora my name is Noah and my why is to try and make youth more comfortable with their emotions. It can be really confusing thinking that you are only meant to be happy and I think that changing this mindset will make understanding our emotions much less confusing.
Ruby Methven
HOPE Ambassador
I am proud to be working with and for a team that is dedicated to providing Aotearoa's youth with the help and support that they deserve. It's important work, and I couldn't be more grateful to be a part of it.
Chris & Sandrine
HOPE DIGITAL TEAM
Working alongside the dedicated team at I Am Hope is a privilege. They work tirelessly to provide safe and supportive environments where rangatahi can heal and grow, and their dedication to this mission is truly inspiring. We're honoured to be able to play a small part in such important work.
Greg Ward
HOPE AMBASSADOR COACH
I am proud and privileged to be associated with I Am Hope.  As the speaking coach and mentor for the team, it’s such an inspiration see the growth in the stellar group of ambassadors.  I tautoko the work that Mike and his young and passionate team do every day, and in helping the on-stage team make every moment matter, I have great heart and hope for the future of reducing suicide and suicidal ideation in our tamariki and rangatahi.
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Promoting positive attitudinal societal change around mental health and offering hope and a voice to our young people.

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PO BOX 10271
Dominion Road
Mt Eden
Auckland 1446
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Gumboot Friday