Vote for Good with Youthline

Tell me about Youthline’s Helpline

Youthline's Helpline operates 24/7, ensuring that no matter when a young person reaches out, someone will be there to listen. Like at 3:00am on a Tuesday when anxiety won't let them sleep. Sunday afternoon, when family conflict feels overwhelming. Friday night, when everyone else seems to be having fun, but they're struggling with thoughts of self-harm. Whenever and wherever young people need support, Youthline's trained Helpline staff are there to answer the call.

Youthline's 24/7 Helpline is a critical service for young people whether they’re feeling overwhelmed, struggling with their mental health, or in crisis.  It’s a safe, judgement-free space and is available anywhere in Aotearoa.

The reality behind the numbers

The Youthline Helpline has never been busier with record numbers of young people reaching out for support. Many of those reaching out for help are now in crisis. The sobering truth that Youthline faces every single day: one in three calls they receive is from a young person at risk of harm. Let that sink in for a moment. Every third call to their Helpline is a situation where a young person's safety (sometimes their life) could be at stake.

Young people in Aotearoa are facing unprecedented challenges. Anxiety, depression, family breakdown, bullying, social media pressure, academic stress and identity struggles. For many, Youthline represents the only safe place to voice their fears and find support.

But here's what makes Youthline special: when young people call, they're not just getting a sympathetic ear. They're connecting with trained staff who understand youth mental health, who know how to de-escalate crisis situations, and who can help them find pathways forward.

Operating services that help youth

While their 24/7 helpline is Youthline's most well-known service, it's just one part of their comprehensive approach to supporting young people. In Auckland, they also provide free face-to-face counselling for those who need deeper, ongoing support. Sometimes a phone call is enough to get through a difficult moment, but other times young people need more support to work through what they are going through.

Their youth programmes focus on building resilience and connection – helping young people develop the tools they need to navigate life's challenges before they reach crisis point. It's preventative work that creates ripple effects throughout communities, families and friend groups.

Youthline's approach is deliberately different. Their staff are trained to meet young people where they're at. There's no judgment, no minimising of problems, no quick fixes or easy answers. Just genuine human connection and support when it's needed most.

When young people know they can reach out without fear of being lectured, dismissed, or having their problems minimised, they're more likely to ask for help before situations become critical.

How your vote creates impact

Your vote in Hummingbird’s Vote for Good campaign directly supports Youthline's ability to be there when young people need them most. The money will be going towards the running of the national 24/7 National Helpline so no young person must face their struggles alone. The Helpline is currently under funded, so every dollar ensures the ongoing survival of this critical service.

This is work that literally saves lives, but it also does something equally important: it shows young people that they matter, that their struggles are real and that there is always somewhere to turn to when they reach out for help.

At Hummingbird Coffee, we've seen how small acts of care can create positive ripple effects. Youthline embodies this same understanding.

When we support young people's mental health, we're investing in the future of our communities. We're saying that every young person deserves to feel valued, supported, and hopeful about their future.

You can vote for Youthline through our Instagram stories @Hummingbirdcoffee. Because sometimes the little things, like knowing someone cares enough to answer the phone, make all the difference in a young person's world.

Vote for Good is our way of putting community decision-making at the heart of our charitable giving. No matter how the votes fall, Youthline will receive funding to continue its life-saving work. But your vote helps decide how much.

Vote between 1 – 30 September 2025 to help decide where this year's donation from Hummingbird’s Green Bean Fund goes to three charity partners. 1 vote per person, per week. T&Cs apply.  Visit https://www.hummingbirdcoffee.com/pages/voteforgood-terms-and-conditions for more information. for more information.

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If you or someone you know needs support:
•    Youthline: 0800 376 633 (free call) or text 234, Webchat – www.youthline.co.nz/web-chat-counselling/ , Instagram DM - @youthlinenz or Whatsapp: 09 886 5696
•    Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
•    Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
•    1737: Free call or text for mental health support
•    In an emergency, call 111