Climate and nature are at the heart of what we do, but looking after the place means looking after its people too. That’s why, from 1 April 2026, we’ve been donating $1 from every carbon offset to Upstream to help fund youth mental health counselling.
So far, we’ve donated a total of $8,167 to Upstream through eligible credit sales. This figure is for the period ending 30 September 2026, and we calculate payouts quarterly.
It’s all part of restoring the systems our communities rely on.
Early support for young people, delivered through local charities.
Why Upstream
Upstream is a community of businesses that use everyday purchases and sales to fund local charities supporting young people across New Zealand.
Aotearoa New Zealand has some of the poorest youth wellbeing outcomes in the OECD, which highlights the need for more accessible, early intervention support. Current systems are often reactive, with many young people only receiving help once issues have escalated to extreme levels. This project enables a more proactive approach by increasing access to timely counselling before challenges become more severe.
Upstream uses a counselling model that helps young people get support earlier by reducing cost and long wait times, but it needs support to grow.
Building the model together
In partnership with Upstream, we’ve been helping them build on their model, where everyday business activity helps fund counselling and frontline support. Watch this space for more exciting announcements to come.
As Upstream put it, “One of the most valuable outcomes of working with Ekos has been the ability to take a proven local solution and begin designing a framework for national impact. It’s helped us think bigger, measure what matters, and create a pathway towards lasting wellbeing outcomes for young people.”
A thriving future needs thriving people in it, and we’re glad our clients can support that through their offsets. You can read more about our partners, or purchase credits to be part of it.
