Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey highlighted the ongoing success of Gumboot Friday, a programme that provides young New Zealanders with timely access to free mental health counselling. The initiative has been instrumental in supporting thousands of young people across the country.
Significant Growth in Sessions and Counsellor Support
Since Government funding began, Gumboot Friday has delivered over 40,700 counselling sessions, assisting more than 14,350 young people who might not have otherwise received timely mental health support. In the past months alone, an additional 10,700 sessions were conducted, benefiting 4,350 more young individuals.
The programme now has 810 registered counsellors, up from 700 earlier in the year, giving young people more options and ensuring access to care when it is needed most.
Impact on Youth Mental Health Across New Zealand
Minister Doocey noted that Gumboot Friday’s ability to quickly move young people off waitlists into counselling demonstrates its effectiveness. Mental health challenges remain a pressing concern for New Zealand’s youth, and initiatives like this are critical to providing fast and accessible support.
He praised the efforts of I Am Hope, the organisation behind Gumboot Friday, for their dedication to delivering mental health services nationwide. The partnership between Government and grassroots organisations is contributing to faster support, more frontline workers, and improved crisis response.
Government Investment in Mental Health
Last year, the Government allocated $24 million over four years to Gumboot Friday under the National–New Zealand First coalition agreement. This funding aims to scale up mental health support for young people throughout New Zealand, ensuring broader access to counselling and care.
Gumboot Friday continues to set a benchmark for youth mental health support, proving that targeted initiatives can deliver measurable results and meaningful assistance where it is most needed.