Help Spark Mental Health Awareness Across Aotearoa

Why I Do What I Do – John Sturmey’s Mental Health Mission

Kia ora, my name is John and I’m not a professional, I’m just someone who has been through the storms and refuses to let others face theirs alone.

Mental health isn’t a trend to me. I’ve lost people. I’ve fought my own battles. I’ve seen the pain silence can cause and I believe no one should ever feel like they have to fight alone.

Here in Aotearoa, we face heartbreaking mental health statistics, especially among youth, men and Māori. But these aren’t just numbers, they are real people. Sons, daughters, friends. Every one of them mattered.

That is why I’ve made it my mission in Whanganui to try raise awareness through creativity and connection from custom hoodies, a mental health car project and community events to simply starting real conversations. I want people to feel seen, heard and supported.

I’m trying to build a movement where it’s okay to talk, to cry, to ask for help. But I can’t do it alone.

If you believe in this kaupapa, please support my journey. Your donation helps me keep this mission alive creating hope, connection and change.

Together, we can make a real difference. Together, we can save lives.

Ngā mihi nui, thank you for being here. 💚