Two mental health advocates are teaming up for something special.

Kapai the Kiwi series author and Bay of Plenty community leader Tommy Wilson and I Am Hope founder Mike King are releasing a book for mental health week - but with a twist.

Titled ‘TR & Mack The Hopeful Black Dog (and a truckload of Aroha)' the duo say the book is aimed at kids aged eight and up, and is 'hoping to change the way the world deals with bullies”.

'In this book we don't humiliate, punish or exclude the bullies. Instead we show them love, compassion and understanding and empower them to recognise that their behaviour is not love.

'We truly believe once you show a confused kid what true love really looks like they will be empowered to change.”

Tommy ‘Kapai' Wilson, who doubles as the Chief Imagination Officer for Te Tuinga Whanau, says the book is another step at tackling New Zealand's mental health problem.

Tommy adds another theme in this book is suicide prevention, as New Zealand's rangatahi (younger generation) are 'facing a crisis”.

'Kids don't realise what they're doing is forever.”

The book's cover. Photo: John Borren/SunLive.

'Mike and I started this book just before Covid-19, which caused it to be delayed. We are stoked to be releasing it this year as now is a really important time to advocate for mental health,” says Tommy.

The book features recognisable Kiwiana, along with familiar organisations that have been behind Tommy and Mike's cause, such as the One Love Festival and Good Buzz Kombucha.

Along with the books effort to tackle mental health, Tommy says mental health week is a great time to announce a new counselling service Te Tuinga Whanau has to offer teenagers.

'If you reach out to Te Tuinga Whanau you are able to get a one on one with an I Am Hope ambassador, who will offer free counselling."

The duo also want to give away a some copies of the book - so keep an eye out on next Friday's Weekend Sun for more information.