White Ferns cricketing star Amelia Kerr, who has drawn praise for her openness about her own mental health journey, will lend her voice to a new cause as an ambassador for the children’s charity Barnardos Aotearoa.The 24-year-old all-rounder will champion the organisation’s work in supporting youth mental health, with a particular focus on its free counselling helpline for children and young people, What’s Up.
The announcement comes as New Zealand continues to grapple with some of the highest rates of youth psychological distress and suicide in the developed world.Kerr, a prominent figure in New Zealand sport, said her own experiences with anxiety and depression motivated her to take on the role.
“I’ve been incredibly lucky in my life — surrounded by love, family and opportunity — but I’ve still hit the lowest of lows,” Kerr said in a statement.
“I know what it’s like to feel alone, to doubt yourself, and to struggle with anxiety and depression. That’s why joining Barnardos feels so right. It’s my turn to give back — to stand alongside our tamariki and rangatahi, and help make sure they know there is hope, and that better days are ahead.
”The partnership aims to leverage Kerr’s platform to reduce stigma and encourage young people to seek help. Her ambassadorship will involve visiting Barnardos services and supporting public awareness campaigns.
Barnardos Chief Executive Matt Reid said Kerr’s advocacy is crucial at a time of complex challenges to youth wellbeing. Recent data from UNICEF Aotearoa has highlighted New Zealand’s poor standing in international comparisons for child and youth mental health.
“Her courage in speaking openly about her own mental health journey, and her dedication to supporting tamariki and rangatahi, are both inspiring and deeply aligned with our kaupapa,” Reid stated. “With Melie’s help, we hope even more young people will feel empowered to reach out for help when they need it.
”The What’s Up helpline, which Kerr will specifically promote, answers more than 12,000 calls and webchats annually from young people aged 5 to 19.“Sometimes it’s hard to speak up, even to the people closest to you — that’s where What’s Up is so powerful,” Kerr said.
“It gives young people a safe place to talk, be heard and feel less alone.”
Kerr, a Tawa native from a well-known cricketing family, first spoke publicly about taking a break from cricket to focus on her mental health in a 2021 interview. Since her debut for the White Ferns at age 16, she has become one of the world’s leading players, holding the record for the highest individual score in a women’s One Day International with 232 not out.
Barnardos Aotearoa is a national children’s charity that provides a broad range of services, including early learning, social support, and counselling, reaching more than 30,000 children and their families each year.