WHAT'S UP

Help for Young New Zealanders

What’s Up is a free, national telephone counselling service for New Zealanders aged 5 to 18 years. Everyday 0800WHATSUP receives an average of 1600 calls. Due to resource constraints, only about 30% are answered.

Studies show that for every 5,000 calls answered, What’s Up is able to intervene in a situation that would otherwise lead to a young person harming themselves. So about every 10 days What’s Up prevents a suicide or serious incident.

The PICT’s donation of $45,000 in 2008 has helped to keep the lines open, enabling Kiwi youth to reach out for support on health issues, drug and alcohol use, child abuse, pregnancy and suicide. 

Funds from the PICT in 2009 will continue to help What’s Up answer as many calls as possible and offer help and support to New Zealand’s youth.