A little bit about
Just a Thought.
Why we exist.
What’s important to us.
Good mental health is like a skill you never stop learning. It’s not about avoiding life’s challenges, but about finding ways to navigate them. Providing free, evidence-based support helps Just a Thought makes sure no one is left behind.
Equity
We are, and always will be, free for everyone.
Integrity
Backed by research. Proven to help.
Connection
Validating the struggles we all experience.
Accessibility
Support when you need it. Anytime. Anywhere.
Our team.
Our talented Just a Thought whānau bring diverse skills and life experiences to our kaupapa, united by a shared commitment to breaking down barriers to mental wellbeing support.
General Manager
Charlie David
I like spending time with family and going to the beach. I’m grateful to lead this awesome team doing mahi that is meaningful.
Clinical Engagement Lead
Jacqui Hampton RN
I like playing and seeing live music. I work in mental health because I value the need for connection and how important it is for people to feel seen, heard, and genuinely understood.
Product Delivery Lead
Tony Susi
When I’m not behind a screen, you’ll find me traveling, cooking, keeping active, or enjoying time with my family.
Communications and Engagement Lead
Kimberley de Jardine
I like reading and spending time with my whānau. I love my job because I get to use my Lived Experience and background in health communications to help make therapy accessible to everyone.
Web Developer
George Cook
I like that I can use my skills to do work that has an impact on people. What keeps me grounded when I’m not working is playing sports and Paddleboarding trips.
Creative Designer
Graham Murray
I love design and illustration. I believe design is about creating things that are both visually pleasing and functional.
Communications and Engagement Coordinator
Jared Ipsen
I like to play music and watch basketball. I chose to work in mental health so I can be for others what so many have been for me on my journey.
Our expert advisors.
The Wise Group
Vanessa Ding
Wise Trust
Rebecca Jaram
Te Pou
Amanda Bradley
The Psychology Group
Anna Elders
Get in touch.
Got a question? Keen to share your thoughts? We'd love to hear from you. Send us a message, we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Email us on hello@justathought.co.nz
A note on safety
For the safety of yourself and others, please do not send us any private information about yourself or a person in your care.
We are not a monitored service and cannot provide urgent support. if you need urgent help, dial 111 – or contact one of these other services for help.
It takes a village.
This is ours.
Just a Thought is proud to be part of the Wise Group whānau – a community of organisations sharing a common purpose, to create new opportunities for the wellbeing of people, vulnerable populations, organisations, and communities.We’re only able to deliver our mental health, addiction, and wellbeing tools and courses to the people of Aotearoa and the Pacific Islands because of The Wise Group and their continued support.
Healthcare partners
Our courses were built together with Lived Experience experts, healthcare workers and researchers to shape a learning environment that feels right for our communities. The story-based lessons are practical, relatable, and easy to use. In fact, thousands of healthcare workers across Aotearoa prescribe Just a Thought to support tāngata whai ora with their mental health.
Supporting the community since 2019.
Money. Waitlists. Fear of being judged. Nothing should get in the way of whānau finding the support they need. Creating Just a Thought was our way to champion tāngata whai ora by providing free Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) tools to all New Zealanders that can be accessed online, at no cost.
The people who made it happen.
Professor Richie Poulton
The original idea for Just a Thought came from Professor Richie Poulton, one of Aotearoa's most distinguished social scientists and former Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister.
As a former Wise Trust Board member, Richie's determination to bring evidence-based online therapy to Aotearoa inspired the development of Just a Thought.
Richie was an inspirational leader and generous mentor to our team, and we remain forever grateful for his guidance. Richie passed away in 2023, but his unwavering commitment to accessible mental health and addiction support continues to guide our work. Read more about Professor Richie Poulton.
Jacqui Bennion
Social entrepreneur and Wise Group co-founder and former joint chief executive, Jacqui Bennion, was the driving force behind bringing Richie's vision to life and turning Just a Thought into a reality. Jacqui was also the brains behind our name – Just a Thought.
Dr. George Salmond
Recipient of the Public Health Champion award for his 40 years of service to public health, Dr. George Salmond was Just a Thought's first and biggest supporter. His generosity has helped make Just a Thought a free service – ensuring all New Zealanders have equitable access to mental health support now and into the future.
Prof. Richie Poulton
Dr. George Salmond
Jacqui Bennion
Prof. Richie Poulton
Our thoughts shape everything – how we see the world, how we experience life. But here's the thing: we can challenge them, or simply give them less power over us. Both are life-changing. That's why we called our tool 'Just a Thought'.
Jacqui Bennion
