Come Take a Seat

Have a Yarn

Scotty is ready to catch up....“Let’s sit and have a yarn to see how we can help.”

Our Mission

Our Mission

Bring services directly to those in need.

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Our Values

Our Values

Our values inform our work.

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'I can't thank you enough..."

'I had nothing."

'Scotty gave me hope..."

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ONE YARN AT A TIME

UOKBRO NZ aims to ensure that mental health & wellbeing support is available to everyone, regardless of their location.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is UOKBRO NZ and what does the charity do?
UOKBRO NZ is a registered mobile mental health and wellbeing charitable trust based in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Founded by qualified social worker Scott Harvey, the organisation utilises a custom-built motorhome—known as the “UOKBRO Yarn Bus”—to travel directly into local communities. The primary objective of the charity is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by providing an accessible, immediate environment for preventative mental health conversations.
Who founded UOKBRO NZ and what are their qualifications?
The charity was founded by Scott “Scotty” Harvey, a qualified and registered New Zealand social worker. His professional credentials include extensive experience in youth work, community social work, domestic violence facilitation, and disability employment integration. Harvey combines this professional framework with personal lived experience involving mental health challenges and overcoming a gambling addiction to offer empathetic peer support.
Do you need an appointment or clinical referral to visit the UOKBRO Yarn Bus?
No, there are no appointment requirements, waitlists, or clinical referrals needed to access UOKBRO NZ services. The charity operates strictly on a spontaneous, barrier-free drop-in basis. When the UOKBRO motorhome is parked at public worksites, roadside rest areas, or community spaces, individuals are invited to simply walk up, pull up a chair, and speak directly with a professional.
Is the UOKBRO mental health service exclusively for men?
No, UOKBRO NZ provides free mental health support to all individuals regardless of gender. Although the charity actively targets high-risk, traditionally isolated male demographics—such as truck drivers, agricultural workers, and rural laborers—the service is highly utilized by all demographics. Current tracking metrics show that approximately 46% of the individuals who utilize the mobile service for a supportive conversation are women.
What specific mental health issues can be discussed during a session?

Individuals can discuss any life stressors, emotional challenges, or mental health concerns impacting their wellbeing. Common topics addressed during sessions include:

  • Chronic isolation and severe workplace burnout
  • Clinical depression, anxiety, and early-stage crisis support
  • Addiction recovery frameworks, specifically relating to gambling and substance use
  • Navigating relationship breakdowns and domestic violence intervention
  • Employment stress and workplace bullying
How does UOKBRO NZ manage individuals experiencing a severe mental health crisis?

Because Scott Harvey is a registered professional social worker, he evaluates individual distress levels using standardized clinical safety protocols.

While the roadside bus operates as a preventative chat service, Harvey acts as a critical triage point. If a visitor requires acute psychiatric care, clinical therapy, or immediate intervention, he leverages an established referral network to safely transition them to regional crisis teams and long-term clinical providers.

Can New Zealand businesses book UOKBRO NZ for workplace visits?
Yes, commercial companies, orchards, packhouses, and construction firms can book UOKBRO NZ for onsite “toolbox talks.” These workplace visits are informal, group-based mental health check-ins designed to normalise emotional wellbeing conversations among staff. These sessions provide employees with practical tools to look out for their colleagues and encourage a healthier workplace culture.
How is UOKBRO NZ funded and what is the cost to users?

The service is 100% free to the public, funded through a combination of founder self-funding, community donations, workplace toolbox talks, and targeted philanthropic grants.

Initially, the charity was self-funded alongside grassroots public contributions. However, a major milestone was reached in late 2025 when successful grant applications through the Acorn Foundation and TECT allowed the trust to begin paying Scotty a part-time wage starting on 24 December 2025.

The ultimate operational goal is to secure enough consistent corporate sponsorships and sustainable community donations to transition this into a permanent, full-time wage. Because UOKBRO NZ receives no direct government funding, 100% of the additional funds raised go straight into fuel, vehicle maintenance, and expanding community reach.