Northlanders put best foot forward for Gumboot Friday

Dinky Russell, from One Tree Point, was among many people who donned gumboots to walk Whangārei's Hātea Loop yesterday evening for the Gumboot Friday fundraiser. Photo / John Stone

Hundreds of people donned gumboots and put their best foot forward around Northland to raise money and awareness about depression.

Yesterday was Gumboot Friday, an initiative from New Zealander of the Year Mike King and the mental health charity I am Hope. It asked New Zealanders to wear their gumboots to work or school for a gold coin donation.

As well, yesterday evening hundreds of people walked around Whangārei's Hātea Loop wearing their gumboots to raise funds for young people living with depression.

Walkers were asked to bring a gold coin donation before walking anti-clockwise around the Loop at 6.30pm.

The donations help the Key to Life Trust provide free counselling to kids in need.

Where to get help?

If you are worried about your own or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. But if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police on 111. Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (24/7) / Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (24/7) / Youth services: (06) 355 5906 / Youthline: 0800 376 633 / Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (24/7) / Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm) / Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) / Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155 / CASPER Suicide Prevention / Lifelink: 0800 726 666 (24/