Mike King discusses why he thinks Gumboot Friday is New Zealand's most effective mental health initiative
Since The Nutters Club opened up an opportunity for people to open up about mental health, comedian Mike King has never looked back. From establishing The Key to Life Charitable Trust in 2008 to launching I Am Hope in 2016, he has made mental health a key focus of his life and career.
King underwent his own recovery journey in 2007, and as he steps up to the podium to host this year’s NZ Law Awards, NZ Lawyer talks to King about mental health issues in the legal profession, his words of wisdom about mental health for lawyers, and the big mental health myth he wants to address.
What led you to host this year’s NZ Law Awards?
The decision to host this year’s NZ Law Awards was driven by the alarming rates of mental health issues, particularly the incidence of suicide among legal professionals in New Zealand. Recognising the pressing need to address and bring attention to this critical issue, hosting the awards presented an opportunity not only to celebrate achievements in the legal field but also to create a platform for open dialogue on mental well-being. By spotlighting the challenges faced by our peers, we aim to promote a culture of support, understanding, and proactive measures to combat these concerning trends in our profession.
You advocate very strongly for mental health – what spurred this focus?
From the moment I began my recovery journey in 2007, I recognised that mental health was going to become a significant concern, especially among our younger generation. Observing the increasing challenges they faced, from societal pressures to the rapid pace of technological change, it became evident that mental well-being would be pivotal. This realisation galvanised my commitment to advocating for mental health. I firmly believe that by addressing these issues head-on and creating an environment where everyone feels supported and understood, we can usher in a brighter, more resilient future for our youth and society at large.
What’s in the pipeline for the organisations you work with?
First off, we're working on expanding our free counselling service called Gumboot Friday. This service already provides over 30,000 free sessions annually to young people 25 and under, and it's all supported by generous donations without any government help. Alongside that, we're also putting more effort into our primary and intermediate schools “Little People Big Feelings” programme. This programme is designed to offer tools, resources, and support to help children understand and express their feelings in healthy ways. By equipping them early on, we hope to foster emotional resilience and well-being that will benefit them throughout their lives. The goal is to ensure every child knows they're not alone in their feelings and that it's okay to seek help when they need it.
What’s the biggest myth you know about mental health that you would love to debunk?
One big myth about mental health I'd love to tackle is the idea that simply encouraging young people to open up and ask for help is the catch-all solution for those with suicidal thoughts. While opening up is crucial, it's not always straightforward. Our research indicates that nearly half of the students will experience a severe crisis, often linked to suicidal thinking, before graduating. Shockingly, 80% of these students won't seek help because they're afraid of being judged or misunderstood. Expecting a young person, already concerned about societal perceptions, to voice their struggles is like telling someone afraid of sharks to dive into shark-infested waters, and waiting for a friendly dolphin might appear. Shifting the responsibility solely onto those already struggling isn't the solution.
Society as a whole needs to create an environment where young people feel safe, understood, and supported. Each of us has a role to play. Instead of just telling them to "reach out," we should be proactively reaching in, fostering open conversations, and making mental health discussions commonplace and judgment-free. By taking a “don’t tell me, show me” approach, we can hopefully make it easier for our youth to share their feelings and challenges.
Addressing mental health has become quite important in recent years – what in your opinion has been the most effective mental wellbeing initiative you’ve seen implemented in New Zealand over the past year or so?
The most effective mental well-being initiative in New Zealand is "Gumboot Friday." It has emerged as a monumental initiative in addressing the mental health needs of young kiwis. Not only is Gumboot Friday the largest face-to-face counselling service in the country, but its efficiency and cost-effectiveness set it apart. The fact that it operates entirely on donations, without government funding, and still manages to deliver over 30,000 free counselling sessions annually to those 25 and under is truly remarkable. Its rapid response and affordability make it not just unique but also a vital resource for the youth of New Zealand. In the realm of mental health initiatives, Gumboot Friday stands out as a benchmark for innovation and effectiveness.
In what ways can the country better tackle the issue of mental health?
The country can better tackle the issue of mental health by streamlining administrative processes and reducing bureaucratic obstacles. This may not be good for lawyers, but we all need to make sacrifices. Currently, a significant amount of funds and time seems to be directed towards meetings and organisational risk management, rather than directly benefitting the well-being of New Zealanders. By reallocating these resources and prioritising direct interventions and services for individuals, a more effective and responsive mental health support system can be established. It's essential to ensure that funds and efforts are channelled in ways that create tangible, positive impacts for those in need.
Mental health has always been a big issue in the legal profession – what words of wisdom about mental health would you like to impart to lawyers?
Mental health is indeed a significant concern within the legal profession. To anyone reading this Q&A, I'd like to say: Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution to mental health; everyone's journey is unique. Just because something is a minor issue to one person doesn't mean it's the same for another. For those fortunate enough to be in a stable mental space right now, it's crucial to be open about any past struggles you've had, especially with younger colleagues. The younger generation often looks up to senior members in the profession. If they only see individuals who seem to have everything perfectly under control, they might feel isolated in their struggles, thinking, "It must just be me. Everyone else seems normal, so I must be the issue." By being open about our own challenges, we can foster a more understanding and supportive environment for everyone.
NZ Lawyer would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to event partner LexisNexis, which remains committed to advancing the rule of law in New Zealand.
We would also like to thank our esteemed sponsors Resolution Institute, Fluid Recruitment, James & Wells, Russell McVeagh, Artemis Executive Recruitment, LEAP Legal Software, and Robert Walters. Their invaluable support is pivotal in acknowledging and celebrating the notable contributions in the New Zealand legal profession.
The 2023 NZ Law Awards will be held as a black-tie gala on 23 November at the Cordis Hotel, Auckland. Seats are selling out fast, so book your tables now and be a part of the New Zealand legal profession’s biggest event of the year!
