Gumboot Friday a day of hope, NZAC says

Feeling down, sad or depressed is a normal part of life but can be difficult for youth to talk about.

That’s why the Association of Counsellors is supporting today’s Gumboot Friday – in the hope that the initiative normalises reaching out for help.

“Regardless of what age we are, we all have times of sadness,” President Bev Weber says.

“But while older people may be better suited to understanding the whys and wherefores of those emotions, sometimes young people cannot.

“And our youth need to be encouraged and supported to feel comfortable enough in asking for help.”

Ms Weber encourages all NZAC counsellors who are qualified to work with adolescents and children to register their details on the www.iamhope.org.nz website.

When their registration has been approved, counsellors’ details will be listed by location on the website for youth to access.

“You would hope that the family is a child’s first port of call when asking for help, but unfortunately that often isn’t the case,” Ms Weber says.

“That’s why counsellors are important for a youth’s wellbeing – we can offer a safe and secure space where youth can speak openly.

“We can help set their minds at ease, to help them find a way through it all. So, my hope for this day is that we can keep it going and do well by our kids.”

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