Today is Gumboot Friday, and I Am Hope Foundation founder Mike King explains his controversial comments about alcohol as a form of temporary relief for mental health issues.
On Wednesday, during an interview on Newstalk ZB, King stated that alcohol has prevented more young people from taking their own lives by providing temporary stress relief before they can access better support.
King says his point was to highlight what he sees as an overreach of the Mental Health Act, which he believes unfairly associates drug and alcohol use with mental health issues.
Despite the backlash he’s received over his comments, he says he will continue to offer support.
“When you get to a hospital and your child gets refused help because our system is clogged up, come see me and I will help your kids. I don’t care what you think about me and I but I care deeply for your kids, and I will be there when and if you need to help,” says King.
