In March 2026, Gumboot Friday helped 2,059 young people aged 5–25 access free counselling, delivering a total of 3,400 sessions nationwide. Every session is free, requires no referral, and is chosen by the young person from a network of registered counsellors on the Gumboot Friday platform.
Breakdown by age group:
- 602 young people aged 5–11 (29%)
- 623 young people aged 12–17 (30%)
- 834 young people aged 18–25 (41%)
These numbers show what early support looks like: young people reaching out sooner, not when everything has hit breaking point.
“I look at March and I don’t just see totals — I see 2,059 young people who put their hand up and someone was there for them. And what really hits me is the 602 kids aged 5–11. Those are little ones. That’s a reminder that things don’t start at 15 or 16 or wait until high school. If we listen early and act early, we stop issues piling up until they’re too big to carry,” says I Am Hope founder Mike King.
“Government support helps pay for the counselling sessions, and community support is what keeps the wider work going — the platform, the people behind it, and the prevention work that helps kids earlier. To everyone who backs this kaupapa, thank you. You’re making it easier for a young person to get help without cost or referral being barriers,” King says.
If you or someone you know under 25 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.
