Hawke's Bay to wear gumboots for mental health counselling

Hastings district councillor and Hawke's Bay District Health Board member Jacoby Poulain (left) and Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst ahead of this year's Gumboot Friday event in Hastings.

The Hastings District Council is getting behind Gumboot Friday with an event in the city centre this Friday to raise funds for mental health counselling for children.

The Gumboot Friday initiative comes from New Zealander of the Year, Mike King, and the mental health charity I am Hope, which is asking New Zealanders to wear their gumboots to work or school on Gumboot Friday for a gold coin donation.

Along with the council, schools across the Hastings district are getting on board to contribute to the goal of raising $2 million to fund counselling for school-aged kids.

Those participating are being asked to wear gumboots for the day, representing the feeling for many that having depression or anxiety can feel like walking through mud every day, and for people to show those struggling that they are not alone.

Hastings district councillor and Hawke's Bay District Health Board member Jacoby Poulain says she supports this event as recognition that these issues are as important in Hastings as anywhere else in the country.

"I hope we can make this support at a local Hawke's Bay level ongoing."

Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst urged the community to come into the city centre during their lunch break on Friday, and help raise money for this important campaign.

"Almost every family in Hastings will have either been directly affected by mental health or knows another whānau struggling with it.

"This campaign is really important for our community and I hope it will keep the conversation going about the importance of reaching out and asking for help.

"I'm proud to support Gumboot Friday and what it is trying to achieve for our young people."

A Hawke's Bay District Health Board spokeswoman said they will have representatives at the Hastings event.

Furthermore, members of their suicide prevention and smokefree teams will be in Wairoa this Friday, to support another event.

The 12-hour Gumboot Air Bike will be held from 8am to 8pm at the Wairoa Library Green.

Where to get help:
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER Suicide Prevention
• Lifelink/Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (available 24/7)
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.