What if helping a young person could improve your own life?

A growing body of research tells us something surprisingly simple: helping others doesn’t just make a difference in their lives, it can transform ours too.

Now, New Zealanders have the chance to be part of a first-of-its-kind study exploring exactly that.

Upside Youth Mentoring has partnered with the University of Auckland to follow a group of first-time mentors over 12 months, examining how mentoring a young person impacts their own wellbeing, happiness, and sense of purpose.

With just 20 places available, the study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful research while making a real difference in a young person’s life.

Why relationships matter more than we think

For years, research has pointed to a powerful truth: happiness isn’t driven by achievement or income, it’s driven by connection.

Long-running international studies, including the Harvard Study of Adult Development, have consistently found that strong, meaningful relationships are the biggest predictor of long-term happiness, health, and life satisfaction.

The World Happiness Report (2026) reinforces this, showing that social connection, belonging, and having someone to rely on are among the strongest drivers of wellbeing, while declining connection is closely linked to falling happiness, particularly among young people.

One of the most reliable ways to build meaningful connection and improve your own wellbeing, is to invest in someone else.

The unexpected impact of mentoring

Mentoring is one of the most practical and powerful ways to do this.

International and local research shows that mentors often experience:

• Increased wellbeing and life satisfaction
• A stronger sense of purpose and meaning
• Greater social connection
• Improved perspective and reduced stress

And this is reflected in Upside’s own programmes.

As CEO Jenny Horst explains:

“People sign up thinking they’re there to help a young person, and they absolutely do.
But what they often don’t expect is how much it changes them.”

“Our volunteer mentors tell us it’s the highlight of their week. That it gives their life more meaning. That they feel more connected and more human again.”

Why this matters right now

This research comes at a critical time.

In countries like New Zealand, life satisfaction among young people has declined significantly over the past decade. At the same time, many adults are also experiencing increasing loneliness and disconnection.

“We’re seeing declining happiness among young people but also among adults,” says Horst.
“We have an opportunity to change outcomes for both.”

What being a mentor looks like

Mentoring isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up.

Participants in the study will be matched with a young person and commit to spending time together each week for 12 months. That might look like:

• Walking the dog
• Kicking a ball at the park
• Playing board games
• Sharing everyday moments and conversations

No specialist experience is required. Upside provides training and ongoing support every step of the way.

“You don’t need to have all the answers,” says Horst.
“You just need to be willing to show up.”

Small actions. Big change.

Many of the young people referred to Upside are navigating significant challenges including anxiety, isolation, and adversity.

Research consistently shows that just one trusted adult relationship can significantly improve a young person’s mental health, behaviour, and long-term life outcomes.

But the impact doesn’t stop there.

“We believe in the ability of everyday New Zealanders to do small things that change big problems,” says Horst.

“We believe in the power of mentoring to change the lives of young people, their mentors, and New Zealand as a whole.”

“And we believe every young person has the potential to choose a brighter future, when they are known, supported, and connected.”

Be part of something that matters

If you’ve ever thought about giving back or you’re looking for more connection, purpose, or meaning in your own life, this could be one of the most powerful ways to do it.

“This is not just about giving back,” says Horst.
“It’s about connection, purpose, and being part of something that genuinely matters.”

The study is Auckland-based, with limited places available.

To learn more or apply to become a mentor, visit: upside.org.nz/interest-to-mentor