I AM HOPE, an inspirational presentation to King's students.

I Am Hope presenter Tai Tupou, an ex-rugby player, came to school to talk to the students about normalising talking about mental health and reaching out to others. 

Tai, gave two presentations, one to Y9 and 10s, and the other to Y11-13s.

Tai, spoke about the fundamental importance of friends looking out for friends, having their back no matter what. He used his personal story, relating how someone asked him, “Are you OK?” and not accepting his, “Yep, I’m good,” answer at face value saved his life.

Tai talked about:

• being a true friend – showing you care
• making time to listen and being there 
• a friend should support that person to get the help they need
• friends need to be trusted and trustworthy – to keep confidences 
• friends should try not to say, “I know how you feel” nor try to fix the situation. 

Tai’s advice is to find a trained person to talk to. 

Many boys commented on how powerful the message was, letting them know it was normal to need help sometimes in life.

I Am Hope is the school programme developed by the Key to Life Charitable Trust (founded by Mike King). Their fundraiser is Gumboot Friday. 

There is plenty of information and help on their website at https://www.iamhope.org.nz/ or by texting 1737 to get in touch with their team. 

King's guidance team is also on hand for follow up. Kia kaha e hoa ma.