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Facilitator Training

The Skylight Waves programme content has now been updated. This refreshed version of the Waves programme aims to build upon what has already been established by Dr Chris Bowden and will offer the facilitators across Aotearoa a kete full of resources - making Waves a living programme that can be adaptable to different communities.

Waves aims to confront and challenge maladaptive coping, build safety and strong relationships, teach good coping skills, and highlight the trauma of suicide.

If you have not trained previously, both days are compulsory. If you have already trained, you are welcome to attend day one as a refresher and then day two to receive the updated programme. Facilitators are connected to an organisation that signs an MOU with Skylight to deliver the programme. Please download and complete the pre-training questionnaire 

Auckland - venue TBC 4 - 5 July 2024

  • 4 July - Day 1 - Setting up a group | processes (new facilitators)
  • 5 July - Day 2 - Content - for new facilitators and refresher for existing facilitators

Wellington - venue TBC 17 - 18 October 2024

  • 17 October  - Day 1 - Setting up a group | processes (new facilitators)
  • 18 October  - Day 2 - Content - for new facilitators and refresher for existing facilitators

To register  your interest please complete the questionnaire and email [email protected] 

Workshop goals

  • to enhance your understanding of what those bereaved by suicide need
  • to understand the impact of the Waves programme on participants
  • to learn how to implement and facilitate the Waves programme in your way for your community
  • to understand how to manage and collect data associated with the programme.

About the Waves Programme

Waves is a professionally facilitated eight-week grief education programme, designed to help adults who have been bereaved by suicide. Waves aims to:

  • help people better understand grief after suicide
  • provide a safe environment for people to explore aspects of their grief
  • help people learn healthy coping strategies for managing their grief, and maintaining their wellbeing and that of their family/whānau
  • and help people develop personal and social resources that may contribute to resiliency.

Two facilitators work with a group of adults bereaved by suicide over a period of eight weeks, with a two-hour session each week. The first hour tends to focus on concepts and ideas about various aspects of grief and suicide. The second hour focuses on exploration and management of emotions and aspects of grief and well-being. The programme is voluntary and has no cost for participants (koha only), to reduce barriers to access.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Waves facilitator, please email [email protected]

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Resources Available at Skylight

Skylight is here to help you through difficult times. We can assist you in a variety of ways with information appropriate for your situation. You are welcome to visit us and receive free information and a support pack from our resource centre and borrow books from the specialist library. We also facilitate Professional Development training and offer Counselling support services for children, young people, family/whānau and individuals who are experiencing tough times.

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