Normalising Mental Health
It’s just a conversation

I AM HOPE has one goal - positive societal attitudinal change. We know our youth struggle with distressing self-talk and overthinking, leaving them feeling isolated and alone.

When we show them these thoughts are universal, we can give our kids a better life.

Giving Kids Hope, as Advocates, as Friends and with Counsellors

Over the past 10 years, we have spoken and listened to over 300,000 kids in schools from the top to the bottom of New Zealand.

We have created books for our youngest kids, barista trained struggling youth with community coffee carts, and enabled free counselling for over 10,000 young people.

When our kids hear that self-doubt and overthinking is a shared experience, they are more likely to seek formal help earlier in both the short and long-term.

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 Korero
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 kids needed more than just a chat. As our budget for sponsoring kid’s counselling blew up, we knew something had to change. From this, Gumboot Friday was born.

Since its inception, Gumboot Friday has spent over 3 million dollars on counselling for over 10,000 rangatahi, and it’s only getting bigger.

Our dream is that one day soon 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. 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.
Troy Elliott
Chief Executive Officer
I’m a community stalwart at heart and passionate advocate for mental health. I’m so excited about being a team member of one of New Zealand’s most important charities and working with a man I love and respect, Mike King.
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.
Joanna King
social Ambassador
I love working for I AM HOPE because it gives me an opportunity to connect with an amazing array of NZers across the country, who truly care about the future and well-being of our children and who share our vision.
Carla King
CLINICAL LEAD
I feel super privileged to be a part of the incredible I Am Hope whanau. We are a diverse group of people who offer a wide range of skill and expertise. I love this diversity and the way we collaborate together. We all have a passion for youth mental health and a strong advocates for our most vulnerable children. #theyareallourchildren
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.
Zoe Dawson
HOPE Ambassador
I am proudly a part of the team at I AM HOPE and Gumboot Friday where I am able to combine my skills and passion into a job I love
Sammy Maa
HOPE Ambassador
I am honoured to work for I AM HOPE. I was once the little girl who needed help. Now, I use my gifts to give hope, make a difference, inspire change through teaching, leading and serving with a sense of purpose - leaving a better world for our children.
Trent Edwards
HOPE Ambassador
I love working at I AM HOPE because I know the work needs to be done, to help our youth of NZ understand mental health and guide and support them to find their “why” and to keep them pushing forward.
Sebastian White
HOPE Ambassador
I love I AM HOPE for all the support it lets me offer New Zealand’s kids. Every day, I can get out of bed with a purpose and a mission that this wonderful community shares to ensure every one of our tamariki is held.
Win Srisawas
HOPE Ambassador
As part of Aotearoa's Youth, working with I AM HOPE has been impactful in supporting my mental health and wellbeing journey, and I am deeply grateful for the chance for me to give back to the community through this work.
Nathan Philipiah
HOPE Ambassador
Working for Gumboot Friday (I AM HOPE) as an ambassador and researcher has been a dream come true. I've dedicated my life to the pursuit of health and I share this dream with I Am Hope.  The lives of our rangatahi is worth fighting for and together we can make this world better.
Lena Watt
HOPE Ambassador
It is an honour to now be working with I AM HOPE. With this opportunity I hope to be able to give young people the knowledge and skills that I wish I had at their age.
Zak Martin
HOPE Ambassador
I work in film, television and theatre, currently acting in Shortland Street as Rahu Parata. I'm a passionate advocate for the environment and mental health. I proactively advocate for my passions when I can amongst my busy schedule.
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.
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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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