0800 What's Up is a free and confidential helpline for children and young people. It is the only helpline for children and youth in New Zealand. 0800 What’s Up is a safe space to talk about anything that is going on in your mind. You can phone or webchat, to talk with a trained counsellor as much as you want or as often as you like. Our services are free and you can even chat to the same counsellor each time, because we understand that sometimes you just want to talk to one person who you feel you can trust. It’s okay to ask for help, it’s normal so there's no need to be embarrassed. We're here to have a korero.
Our counsellors will always listen to you. Whether you are experiencing sadness, anxiety, family relationships; exam stress, bullying, worries about the future. Or you just feel down and you don't know why. Whatever you want to talk about, we're here to listen, 365 days a year. No problem is too big or too small to us, and a conversation with us is always confidential.
Every year our counsellors help thousands of children and young people like you. They trust us, and you can too. We've been doing this for more than 20 years, and we're here for all children and young people in Aotearoa. Our counsellors have years of experience supporting people from different families and cultures. No matter the topic: friendships, problems at school, gender identity. You can talk to us and we will listen.
"She was really helpful, she showed me a new way to look at the situation and helped me find my own solution."
"Very understanding and engaging. Just everything I could have asked for from a counsellor."
"The counsellors really cared. They helped me survive through some of the toughest times of my life."
"I felt heard."
During 2020, we received 19,134 calls and e-chats for help from children and young people to our 0800 What’s Up helpline.
0800 What’s Up is a service of national children’s charity Barnardos New Zealand. We support young people and their whānau who have been impacted by family violence, abuse and mental health issues, and provide child and family social services, early learning services, and advocacy for children’s rights and needs. Thanks to our supporters, Barnardos works with families across Aotearoa helping children and young people to reach their full potential. All calls to 0800 What’s Up are free. Please help keep services like 0800 What’s Up running. Your support will ensure that 7 days a week, 365 days a year, tamariki and rangatahi can be heard.
0800 What’s Up has partnered up with MediaWorks Foundation to help spread the word of our service across New Zealand. We have received support from MediaWorks Foundation to reach our tamariki and rangatahi who want to be heard and listened to.
Launched in 2015, the Foundation has one simple purpose – to positively change the lives of children and young people in New Zealand. Now in its sixth year, the MediaWorks Foundation has supported over two hundred charities, donating more than $15m in advertising and services. And with the public’s support, MediaWorks and the Foundation has helped to raise millions of dollars for charitable causes throughout the country.
MediaWorks CEO, Cam Wallace, said: “Having recently joined MediaWorks as its CEO, I’m thrilled to be able to welcome these three astounding charitable organisations into our National Charity Partnership Programme, and to continue the important work the Foundation delivers for children and young people across New Zealand. “It should be a birth right that every child and young person in New Zealand has the chance to reach their full potential, but sometimes events, circumstances and disadvantage can hold them back. I’m incredibly excited about the work we’re able to deliver to help them to shine.”
Barnardos’ New Zealand CEO, Mike Munnelly, says: “Barnardos is excited to join the MediaWorks Foundation National Charity Partnership Programme, and grateful for the Foundation’s support to ensure children and whānau throughout Aotearoa know how our national children’s helpline, 0800 What’s Up can help them. For more than 60 years, Barnardos New Zealand has been walking alongside tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau, to help them reach their full potential. Everything we do contributes to our vision, ‘An Aotearoa where every child shines bright’, and every day we are helping Aotearoa’s youngest and their families to help them experience their aspirations and have what they need to thrive.”
Charities Commission number: CC21844 - Registration details on the Charities Commission Website