Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, May 29, 2024
In a significant move to address mental health concerns among the youth, the New Zealand Government has announced a substantial funding commitment to the Gumboot Friday initiative.
Youth mental health boost
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey revealed that Budget 2024 will allocate $24 million over the next four years to enhance access to mental health services for young New Zealanders.
The funding will be directed to the ‘I Am Hope’ Foundation, enabling it to provide free mental health counselling to individuals aged between 5 and 25 years through the Gumboot Friday initiative.
This initiative is expected to benefit over 15,000 young people annually, offering timely support for those grappling with mental health challenges.
“This announcement fulfils a key commitment under the National-New Zealand First coalition agreement,” stated Mr. Peters. “It underscores our dedication to addressing one of the most pressing issues facing our youth today. With this funding, many young New Zealanders will receive the support they need, when they need it.”
Early Intervention
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey emphasised the importance of early intervention and prevention in mental health care. “Gumboot Friday plays a vital role in enabling youth with mild to moderate mental health needs to access counselling services earlier, which can prevent more serious issues from developing,” he said. “This service will also support young people who are waiting to access specialist services.”
Positive social return
The initiative is not just about immediate assistance but also about long-term impact. Research has indicated that for every $1 invested in I Am Hope, there is a social return of $5.70 to New Zealand. “The numbers clearly stack up,” Mr. Peters noted. “By providing more access to targeted early intervention, our young people will be better equipped to create a brighter future for themselves.”
Mr Doocey highlighted that this investment is part of a broader strategy to improve access to mental health services, support the mental health workforce, and focus on preventive measures. “Government alone cannot address the mental health challenges faced across the country. That is why we are proud to partner with a long-standing and proven organisation that addresses the needs of our communities on the ground,” he said.
The initiative is expected to complement existing mental health services and improve overall outcomes across the wider health system.
By investing in mental health initiatives, the government aims to create a more supportive and resilient environment for the youth, ensuring they have the resources and help necessary to thrive.
About the organisation
Over the past 10 years, team and volunteers at ‘I am Hope’ foundation have spoken and listened to over 300,000 children in schools from the top to the bottom of New Zealand. They have created books for our youngest children, barista trained struggling youth with community coffee carts, and enabled free counselling for over 10,000 young people.
A spokesperson from the Foundation said, “I AM HOPE has one goal, positive societal 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 children a better life.”
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Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
