Defying a rare muscle condition on the Great Wall for children’s wellbeing

Bubbly, passionate and strong – Barnardos Aotearoa social worker Jansje Strydom brings these same qualities to her work supporting tamariki and whānau through trauma, family violence and poverty.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, Jansje is trading her work shoes for hiking boots as she takes on the Great Wall of China, raising funds and awareness for What’s Up, Barnardos’ free, confidential helpline for children and young people aged 5–19.

“This walk is tough, but it’s nothing compared to the mental challenges some young people face these days,” said Jansje. “If I can take even one step that helps them feel heard and supported, it’s worth it.”

Her determination is especially inspiring given her own health challenges. Jansje lives with myotonia congenita Becker, a rare condition affecting her muscles and balance. Even simple tasks, like walking or climbing hills, can be painful, and she is more prone to falls than most people. Medication helps, but walking long distances or climbing stairs can still be difficult, making this challenge both a physical and mental test.

Growing up, it took eight years for her to receive a diagnosis, and during that time she often felt misunderstood. Specialists sometimes told her she was imagining the pain and soreness.

“It was great that I could talk to someone without the judgment or having to explain what I was going through. Just being able to blurt out what was running through my head really helped me get through that tough time,” she said.

In her work as a social worker, Jansje now sees many children facing their own struggles.

“Sometimes children don’t feel like they can talk to their whānau. Having a third-party person and a safe, confidential space like What’s Up can be life-changing. Having someone who validates your feelings, rather than trying to fix them straight away, can really improve things.”

Jansje has been fundraising with the help of her whānau, colleagues and community through bake sales, silent auctions and a dinner to reach the $3,500 needed to take part in the Brighter Futures Challenge.

From 11 to 17 October she will join six other participants, including Barnardos Ambassador Sir Ashley Bloomfield, on the Great Wall to highlight the vital role What’s Up plays in supporting more than 12,000 tamariki and rangatahi across Aotearoa each year.

What’s Up, the only free helpline and webchat in Aotearoa specifically for tamariki and rangatahi aged 5–19, giving them someone to talk to when they need it, as often as they need. It’s the only dedicated helpline of its kind in Aotearoa. Counsellors can be reached at whatsup.co.nz or by calling 0800 942 8787.