With summertime bringing a range of emotions – especially for those facing mental health issues and loneliness – finding someone to speak to can be tricky.

But Western Bay of Plenty man Scotty Harvey is out to change that. This summer he’ll be sitting on the side of main roads across the district with his bus – ready to hear from anyone and everyone about what they might be struggling with.

“I’ll be out there over this time for you to talk as most of the social services are closed,” said the Tauranga social worker and founder of UOKBRO NZ.

Harvey said increased stress, unrealistic expectations, comparing to others, family conflict, loss of a loved one and being alone are all aspects some people face during the summer holiday season.

“For many being alone isn’t an issue and I’ve heard many times: ‘I wish I could just get a tent, go to the beach or bush’. For some, that is the dream,” he said.

From issues regarding mental health, loneliness, drugs and alcohol, Harvey said he is there to listen and help provide some expertise, or solely an ear.

Harvey said the most common difficult experiences people face during this time of year have to do with money and family issues.

“There are just as many people with a lot of people around that are stressed, overwhelmed, and wish they were not with all the people.”

He began this service in recent years after realising that many people facing issues – particularly men – don’t get help because they don’t have time to go into an office. So his “mobile” office began and he’s since travelled around New Zealand offering his services to anyone brave enough to pull over for a chat.

For summer he’s in the Bay of Plenty – his bus can be found on the side of many main roads – and if you want to find him, simply look on his Facebook page to find out where he is.

Harvey said if you have someone in your life and you’re concerned about their mental health, he suggests asking if they are okay. “The best tools are our ears, just listen.

“Put your head over the fence if you know someone is alone and ask if they’re okay.”

To those who are struggling, Harvey said: “I hope that you can get support over this time, but also, it only takes a few words: ‘I’m not okay, can I have a yarn with you?’.”

Find Scotty Harvey on Facebook at “Uokbro NZ”.