AUCKLAND, Today: Youthline is encouraging Kiwis to join Walk the Talk 2025 this September. The refreshed fundraiser asks people to commit to one daily wellbeing habit for 30 days while raising funds for its 24/7 Helpline.
Shae Ronald, Youthline’s chief executive, says the youth mental health crisis makes this work more urgent than ever. “Youthline runs Aotearoa’s only 24/7 national helpline for rangatahi.
“We are experiencing more calls than ever, and many of these are from young people in crisis. We rely on donations to keep this vital service going. Each year, sustaining this becomes harder, and demand for support is rising.”
“One third of calls now come from young people at risk of harm, including suicide, self-harm, or abuse.” – Shae Ronald
One third of calls now come from young people at risk of harm, including suicide, self-harm, or abuse. The Helpline team also faces up to three emergency interventions every day.
Ronald says the revamp is about combining self-care with giving back. “We wanted to reimagine Walk the Talk to encourage Kiwis to do something good for their own wellbeing, while raising funds and showing support for rangatahi at the same time.”
Participants are invited to choose one habit they’ll stick to for 30 days—whether that’s meditating, journaling, yoga, dancing, or even just sleeping better. Friends and family can sponsor their effort, with every dollar helping to keep the Helpline open.
The challenge can also be about breaking unhealthy habits and replacing them with positive routines. That way, participants benefit personally while supporting rangatahi who need urgent, ongoing help.
- To sign up, sponsor someone you know, or involve your workplace or school, visit walkthetalk.nz
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