Gumboot Friday
Free counselling for young New Zealanders who need it most
What is Gumboot Friday?
Gumboot Friday is a New Zealand charity founded by Mike King and the I Am Hope Foundation. It provides free counselling sessions to young people aged 25 and under who are struggling with their mental health — at no cost to them or their families.
The name comes from a simple idea: sometimes life gets muddy, and you need the right gear to get through it. Gumboot Friday gives young people access to professional counselling when they need it, without the barrier of cost.
Room to Reflect is proud to support the Gumboot Friday initiative. If you are a young person aged 25 or under, or a parent seeking support for your child, Gumboot Friday funding may mean you can access counselling sessions at no cost to you.
Room to Reflect is proud to be a registered Gumboot Friday provider, offering free counselling sessions to young people aged 25 and under.
Why this matters
New Zealand has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the developed world. Too many young people are struggling in silence because they cannot access the support they need — whether that is because of cost, long wait times, or simply not knowing where to turn.
Gumboot Friday exists to change that. By removing the financial barrier to counselling, it gives young people a real chance to get help before things reach a crisis point.
Every young person deserves to feel heard, supported, and hopeful about their future. That is exactly what counselling can offer — and Gumboot Friday makes it possible for more young people to access it.
How it works
Check eligibility
Gumboot Friday funding is available to young people aged 25 and under living in New Zealand who are experiencing mental health challenges.
Find me on Gumboot Friday
Follow the link below to view my Gumboot Friday profile and submit your request to me.
Confirm your sessions
Once I receive and accept your request through Gumboot Friday, I'll contact you to complete the sign-up process and arrange yours or your child’s first session.
Start your counselling journey
Your first session is a chance for us to meet, talk about what is going on, and decide together whether I'm the right counsellor for you or your child.
Am I eligible?
- You are aged 25 or under
- You are living in New Zealand
- You are experiencing mental health challenges or emotional distress
- You do not need a referral or diagnosis to access funding
- There is no stand-down period or waitlist through Gumboot Friday
Not sure if you qualify? Get in touch and Jane will help you work out the best funding option for your situation.
Ready to get started?
If you or a young person you care about could benefit from counselling, get in touch with Room to Reflect today. Jane works with children, young people, and families across the Rangiora and North Canterbury area.