Olympic kayaker Luuka Jones is doing what she can to encourage struggling young people to get the help they need.
The Tauranga-raised athlete is the new ambassador for the free counselling service 0800 What's Up.
"I'm really excited to be a part of What's Up and be an ambassador because I think it's a really great thing to support," she said.
The 25-year-old was approached by a friend who is involved in the organisation. " I never had anything like this growing up.
"It would have been nice to know so I could pass it on to my friends."