Dear John --

This week, we announced $24 million for the I Am Hope Foundation to provide young Kiwis with free mental health counselling services through the Gumboot Friday initiative.

This Budget 2024 investment means Gumboot Friday can give more than 15,000 young Kiwis access to free counselling services each year.

I promised my Government would be about getting funding to the frontline to deliver the best possible outcomes, and this action is an example of that.

Every single one of us knows someone facing mental health challenges and the Government alone cannot address these challenges – we have to partner with organisations with a proven record of making a difference.

Research has found that every $1 invested in I Am Hope results in a social return to New Zealand of $5.70. But this isn’t just about dollars, it’s about the young New Zealanders whose lives will be improved by this investment.

I’m excited to share Budget 2024 in full with you next Thursday, where you’ll see more examples of a Government focused on improving outcomes for Kiwis by investing in what works.

Thank you,
Christopher

PS: Please join me on my official WhatsApp channel - https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaavY6k7dmeh6rQtlw2d to hear updates directly from me as they happen.