Black Dog Swim for NZ Youth Mental Health

George Glover may only be 16-years-of-age, but he understands better than many how precarious the mental health of young people can be. What’s more, he is determined to do something about it.

While he may not be able to help individuals from suffering, he is determined to raise funds so young people can get the help they need, when they need it.

George is planning on swimming Queen Charlotte Sound this coming summer, to highlight youth mental health and raise funds for I AM HOPE.

This youth and community focused support group, run by The Key to Life Charity Trust, promotes positive attitudinal societal change in schools and communities, while funding private care and counselling for young people stuck-in-the-mud on waiting lists.

Last year alone, 137 New Zealand young people died by suicide and it is estimated 3500 tried to take their own lives.

“There are two degrees of separation in New Zealand,” George says. “But there is only one degree of separation between mental health and suicide.

Unfortunately, youth suffering from mental health issues can’t always get the help when they need it, with some having to wait up to six months to receive counselling.

George wants to raise funds with his marathon swim to provide all important resources to the I AM HOPE support group, to ensure those that are suffering, get help quickly.

Swimming Queen Charlotte Sound has never been done before, which is one of the reasons George has chosen this marathon. A competitive swimmer for the past three years, he plans to begin at Anikiwa and swim up the main channel to Long Island and back, between December 30 and January 8. The total distance is more than 85 km. To place that in perspective, Cook Strait is just 26 km.

He is hoping businesses and individuals will get behind his endeavours by sponsoring the swim, with all funds going to I AM HOPE.

An Instagram page has been established (Black Dog Swim) where people can track George’s progress towards his marathon can be viewed and also keep up to date about all the Black Dog Swim information.

Please support George and his Black Dog Swim, and help us to raise funds for an important cause – youth mental health.