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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.
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.
From primary to high schools, I AM HOPE generates conversations that normalise self-doubt and distress, while offering real support.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We're here to help and answer any question you might have.