In April 2026, 1,921 young people aged 5–25 accessed free counselling through Gumboot Friday, with 2,956 sessions delivered nationwide. Sessions are free, no referral is required, and young people choose the counsellor they want to talk to from Gumboot Friday’s registered network of counsellors.
Breakdown by age group:
- 506 young people aged 5–11 (26.3%)
- 561 young people aged 12–17 (29.2%)
- 854 young people aged 18–25 (44.5%)
These figures show early support doing what it is meant to: our rangatahi getting help while it’s still manageable.
“These numbers show what we’ve known for a while - how early the complexity young people are carrying is showing up now. Kids are navigating a world that feels loud, fast, and overwhelming, and they’re feeling it younger than people think. The important part is this: 1,921 young people put their hand up and someone was there. That’s what changes outcomes — help that shows up early, before it turns into something heavier,” says I Am Hope founder Mike King.
“Government support helps pay for the counselling sessions, and community support is what keeps the wider work moving — platform maintenance and upgrades, the people behind it, and I Am Hope’s prevention work that helps kids early, including our programmes in schools. To everyone backing our kids, thank you. You’re helping keep the door open,” King says.
If you or someone you know is 25 or under and needs someone to talk to, visit www.gumbootfriday.org.nz to book a free counsellor today — no referral needed.
Support I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday by donating, fundraising, or texting HOPE to 469 to make a $3 donation.
