Crusade with Heart expands Schools Mental Health & Wellbeing Programme across Canterbury with support from Hughes Developments
The Crusade with Heart Foundation, together with BetterMan and The Wellbeing Works, is widening its reach in 2026 – delivering its Schools Wellbeing and Resilience Programme to 10 Canterbury schools.
The aim is simple: give rangatahi practical tools they can lean on, helping them build resilience, strengthen relationships and look after their mental wellbeing.
This season, Crusaders and Matatū players will once again step into classrooms across the region. They’ll share their own experiences, talk openly about pressure and performance, and connect with students in real, honest conversations about what it means to look after yourself on and off the field.
In 2026, the programme also welcomes a new presenting partner – Hughes Developments.
With a strong footprint in Selwyn and a deep commitment to the communities they help shape, it was only fitting the first workshop of the year took place in Rolleston.
“We feel extremely fortunate to have a local Canterbury business like Hughes Developments believing in us and backing us to do this important mahi in schools, they are good people, committed to doing good things in our community, with the hope of giving our next generation a brighter future,” says Bridget Johnstone, Crusaders Senior Partnerships Manager.
The programme is a shared investment in the next generation and a commitment to backing the wellbeing of young people right across Canterbury.
The workshops are led by BetterMan’s Ged Robinson and Todd Astle, designed in collaboration with Kim Tay of The Wellbeing Works. Together, they bring experience across positive psychology, mental skills, resilience and youth engagement.
“We are so proud to be collaborating with BetterMan and The Wellbeing Works on this program, they are experts in the mental health and wellbeing space and give this work credibility,” says Kirsty Brown, General Manager Community at the Crusaders.
Their sessions are practical, interactive and grounded in real-life stories from Ged, Todd and Crusaders and Matatū players – giving students tools they can use every day.
Through storytelling, discussion and hands‑on activities, the programme focuses on relationships, emotions and flexible mindsets.
It encourages healthy coping strategies, builds confidence and creates safe spaces where young people feel comfortable speaking openly and asking questions. Most importantly, it connects them with positive role models who genuinely care.
“We’re stoked to be working with students again. We’ve seen and experienced in high-level sport that mindset and emotional control are genuine game changers.” says Ged Robinson, BetterMan Co-Founder.
“What’s powerful is that these are not just tools for athletes, they are life skills for all. When young people learn how to manage pressure, challenge unhelpful thoughts and back their mates, that impact ripples far beyond the classroom into sport, exams and everyday life” says Todd Astle, BetterMan Co-Founder.
The Crusade with Heart Schools Wellbeing and Resilience Programme was piloted in five high schools last year with support from the Rātā Foundation.
With Hughes Developments joining as presenting partner, the initiative is set to reach more schools and more rangatahi than ever in 2026.
“At Hughes, we’re passionate about creating communities where people can build a great life,” says Hughes Developments Marketing Manager, Adam Robertson.
“Supporting the Crusade with Heart Schools Wellbeing and Resilience Programme reflects our belief that strong communities start with resilient young people. If we can help equip rangatahi with meaningful tools to navigate life with confidence and purpose, we’re investing in a brighter future for Canterbury.”