For some time now there have been persistent misconceptions about Gumboot Friday and the Government funding that supports free counselling for five- to 25-year-olds.
Much of it’s been driven by sensationalist and inaccurate reporting, repeated so often it’s begun to sound like fact. It isn’t. Let’s clear a few things up.
Long before any Government funding was announced, everyday New Zealanders put their hands in their pockets and donated $9 million to Gumboot Friday.
They did that because the service worked. Because their kids were being seen. Because help was finally available when it was needed. Government investment followed public trust, not the other way around.
One of the most common claims is that I personally received $24 million. I did not. Not a cent.
That funding pays counsellors for sessions already delivered to young people. Every session is verified, audited and only then reimbursed by the Ministry of Health.
I Am Hope covers all other costs. Technology. Administration. Clinical oversight. Safeguarding. None of that is paid for by Government.
Another claim is that by not running a traditional RFP, other services missed out.
The reality is that before Gumboot Friday there was no free, nationwide counselling service for five- to 25-year-olds operating at scale.
That gap existed for years. Gumboot Friday filled it, first with public support, then with Government backing once the model was proven.
This was not a fly-by-night operation. Gumboot Friday has been delivering care for years, building systems, clinical standards and a national network of qualified counsellors.
How do we know it works? Simple. Because the six-month waiting lists are gone.
We no longer hear the stories of kids waiting half a year for help while things got worse. When a young person reaches out now, support is available when it matters.
As of January 26, Gumboot Friday has delivered 147,867 free counselling sessions.
I’m stepping down because I’ve become a distraction. The kaupapa is bigger than any one person. The noise will fade. The need will not. And the kids will still need help tomorrow.
