People are being urged to support youth mental health ahead of Gumboot Friday next month.

Leading youth mental health charity I Am Hope chief executive, Troy Elliott, is passionately urging fellow New Zealanders not to rest on their laurels but to actively support Gumboot Friday on November 3rd, amidst the escalating demand for free youth counselling services.

While the charity is deeply appreciative of the incoming government's pledge, specifically Christopher Luxon's $5 million promise made on the Rock Breakfast show last week, it is essential to note that these funds will not be immediately accessible for Gumboot Friday.

Additionally, the broader $20 million pledged for mental health earlier this year, will be spread across several initiatives nationwide.

I Am Hope founder, Mike King, reinforces the importance of continued public support.

"We mustn't assume that the $5 million is immediately available or that the entire $20 million is solely for Gumboot Friday. Demand for Gumboot Friday services has skyrocketed by over 500% in just two years. From financing 550 monthly sessions in 2021 at $78,000, we now fund over 3,400 free sessions at $510,000 monthly,” says King.

Elliott highlights that the surge in demand is primarily due to referrals from Te Whatu Ora-funded services. Many agencies, including the 1737 mental health support line and general practitioners, now direct youth aged 25 years and under to Gumboot Friday services thanks to its diverse range of counsellors and quick turnaround times, in comparison to the overstretched and under resourced public system.

"While it might surprise some, we welcome these referrals. Our fight for funding is minor compared to the battles these young individuals face daily," says Elliott.

Gumboot Friday's unique live reporting system showcases unparalleled transparency, tracking every dollar spent with meticulous detail, setting the gold standard for charitable organisations in New Zealand.

"Gumboot Friday is more than just a charity event. It's an invitation for every New Zealander to rally for the mental well-being of our youth. Host events, wear your gumboots, donate or simply spread the word – every effort matters," Elliott says.

Mike King echoes the sentiment.

"New Zealand has always stood by us, and we're confident they'll rise to the occasion once again. A heartfelt thank you, New Zealand. Together, we'll keep making a transformative impact on the lives of our youth when they most need it," he says.

Map with events around NZ: https://www.gumbootfriday.org.nz/2023

Website: www.gumbootfriday.org.nz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gumbootupNZ

Instagram: @gumbootfriday