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Our unique offering is a full spectrum of care for those tamariki and rangatahi aged 5 - 24 years with mild to moderate mental health concerns. About Skylight Skylight is a New Zealand charity that supports children, young people, and whānau through tough times by providing counselling, resources, and programmes. Our story Our people Our impact Work with us More info Contact us Our story Skylight started in 1996 to support children and young people through grief, loss, and trauma. After a local bereavement service closed, a group of professionals created a trust to fill the gap—starting small in Newtown with donated space and community backing. We quickly grew into a national organisation, offering counselling, resources, and training. Programmes like Travellers brought support into schools, and we responded to major events like the Christchurch earthquakes with practical tools and immediate care. Today, we continue helping people of all ages navigate tough times, with a focus on community partnerships, cultural respect, and making support accessible to anyone who needs it. Read our full story Kaimahi Kaimahi Kathryn Ross CEO Amanda Gregan Director of Operations | Rangatohu Mahi Rangapū Jenny Devine Clinical Advisor | Kaiwhirinaki Haumanu Vonnie Marshall Counselling Team Leader | Kaitaki Kapa Whakamāherehere Meet the Skylight team What we stand for Ngā whainga – Vision In Aotearoa tamariki and rangatahi are empowered to thrive. Tā mātou whakatakanga – Mission Guiding tamariki and rangatahi hauora through responsive, informed and effective practice. Ngā uara – Values Ko tā te tamaiti - Child Centric Ngākau pono - Integrity Whakamanamanahia - Empowered / Uplifting Relationships Tāngata Rite - Equity Learn more about our strategic plan here. Our services Counselling & support We offer confidential, professional counselling for tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and adults facing grief, trauma, family breakdown, domestic violence, illness, behavioural challenges and more. With locations across the Wellington region and nationwide online/phone sessions, our family-centred approach supports individuals and entire families in finding strength together. Group programmes Skylight runs tailored group programmes to help people connect and heal. We hold regular support groups like Heart Song for bereaved parents and varied groups for children facing different forms of loss. School-based resilience Our Travellers programme equips Year 9 students to cope with change, transitions and loss through an eight-week, in-school journey led by trained staff. We also offer short courses such as Matika and Tai‑oranga, plus Awhi Mai Awhi Atu wellbeing counselling directly in schools, promoting mental health and resilience where students spend their day Resources & training Skylight provides an online resource library and support pack service with materials on grief, trauma, and resilience that we post across Aotearoa. Our workshops and professional development training empower educators, organisations, and communities to confidently support others through crises, grief, and life challenges. How we are funded Our funding comes from fundraising events, grants and donations, sponsorships, and Government contracts for some service provision. Thank you to all the individuals, organisations and grant agencies that have supported us and helped us become what we are today. Skylight is a national, not-for-profit trust. Skylight is registered with Charities Services as Skylight Trust, CC27206. We are governed by a Board of Trustees, from a wide variety of backgrounds, who share the vision of seeing people of any age supported and empowered to move forward in their lives. Annual reports View our annual reports for more information 2023 - 2024 2022 - 2023 2021 - 2022 2020 - 2021 2019 - 2020 2018 - 2019 2017 - 2018 2016 - 2017 2015 - 2016 2014 - 2015 2013 - 2014 2012 - 2013 2011 - 2012 2010 - 2011 You might also be interested in... Professional development opportunities Read more Our impact Read more Our story Read more Other organisations that can help Read more Te Kunenga Māori Strategy and Action Plan 2025 Read more Advocacy Read more Skylight's child protection policy Read more Our supporters Read more Our partners Read more Privacy policy Read more Contact us Read more Governance Read more Work with us Read more Organise your own fundraising event Read more Fundraising ideas Read more Get involved Read more

Suicide and rainbow communities Aotearoa has the highest rate of youth suicide in the developed world, with rates for LGBTQI+ people, even higher. If you are concerned about your immediate safety or the safety of someone else – ring 111 Rates of suicide and self-harm in Aotearoa are high by OECD standards. Homosexual youth rates of mental distress, suicidal and self-harm behaviours have been measured up to 12 times the rate for heterosexual youth (Christchurch Health and Development Study 2005). Rates for trans* (transgender or gender-queer) people, are even higher. A report commissioned and published as part of the Ministry of Health's Suicide Prevention Research Fund in 2012, found that LGBTQI+ people have higher lifetime risk for mental health problems, including depression , anxiety , suicide and self-harm, substance misuse and eating disorders, than their peers. Research shows that there are different factors that contribute to increase the risk of suicide in LGBTQI+ communities, especially in young people, such as growing up in harmful environments, being rejected at home, school, church or by other communities, being bullied, the lack of access to safe or supportive spaces and the lack of mental health care. It is the responsibility of everyone, to create safe and nurturing environments. Many LGBTQI+ people face discrimination, bullying, social exclusion and other challenges, that could lead to them developing mental health problems. Negative life experiences can result in mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or behaviour whether you are LGBTQI+ or not and it is important to seek help as soon as possible. How can you support a LGBTQI+ young person Talk with and listen to them. Find a way that invites them to have an open discussion about sexual orientation and/or gender identity, as this will help them feel loved and supported. Provide support. Respond calmly and use respectful language. Stay involved. Make an effort to know their friends and to know what they are doing, as this can help them stay safe and feel cared about. Be proactive. You can access many organisations and online information resources to learn more about LGBTQI+ needs. If you or someone you know is facing tough times Skylight can offer support through counselling and/or referral to other organisations, or helpful information through our resource centre. You might also be interested in: If you are feeling suicidal Abusive relationships How to build resilience

Suicide prevention Browse our articles below. To explore our full collection of resources on other themes, click here . If you are feeling suicidal Are you finding yourself thinking about suicide? Read more Suicide and rainbow communities Aotearoa has the highest rate of youth suicide in the developed world, with rates for LGBTQI+ people, even higher. Read more Explore all resources

Skylight Trust supports young people and whānau through tough times with counselling, resources, and programmes. Compassionate care that makes a difference. We’re a charity dedicated to helping young people navigate through tough times Request counselling Jacob School Counsellor "Through counselling [the child] has been able to acknowledge their fear and connect with joy, family and the other protective elements in life." Glenda Facilitator "Creative activities gave the girls space to express themselves in ways that felt safe and empowering, often opening conversations that may not have happened otherwise." Noel Student "It’s different now. Before I went to Travellers I didn’t really get along with my friends. N ow I speak up to them and I’m not invisible anymore." Counselling Supportive counselling to help individuals and families build resilience and navigate life’s challenges. Read more Programmes Practical tools and safe, supportive spaces for schools to work through change, trauma, and growth together. Read more Free resources A curated collection of free guides and tools to foster resilience, inspire hope, and support families. Read more We are here for you We offer specialised information to help you move through challenging times. Loss and grief Trauma Relationships Mental health Neurodiversity Family change Suicide prevention See more Need support? Contact our support services or a crisis helpline Find out more Guide for parents and carers Guide for schools Guide for young people Announcements Pou Ārahi Skylight Trust is seeking a passionate and experienced Pou Ārahi to guide and strengthen our cultural journey. This is a unique opportunity to lead with heart and uphold tikanga Māori across our services supporting children, young people, and their whānau through grief, trauma, and tough times. For more information, click here . About Skylight Skylight is a registered charity, supporting people through tough times with tailored resources, resilience programmes, and training. We believe that with the right support, anyone can find hope and strength. Ngā Whainga – Vision In Aotearoa tamariki and rangatahi are empowered to thrive. Tā mātou whakatakanga – Mission Guiding tamariki and rangatahi hauora through responsive, informed and effective practice. Read our story 24k+ Hours of therapy each year 400+ Families supported per month 200+ Schools running our programmes Stories of hope and resilience Over the past 25 years, we’ve supported thousands of rangatahi through life’s challenges, from grief and loss to family changes, anxiety, and identity. Each journey is unique, and we’re grateful to those who’ve shared their experiences. Here are just a few of their stories. Discover their stories McKay's story Brittany's story Trevney's story Melissa's story Make a donation Support a young person’s journey to resilience and hope by donating to Skylight. Donate Get involved From fundraising, to partnering with us, or even working directly with us, there are many ways to get involved. Learn more Subscribe to our newsletter Be part of our journey with updates, insights, and opportunities delivered to your inbox Email* Submit Browse our online shop We sell publications designed for building resilience in children, young people, families and communities Shop now Many thanks to our funders and supporters To see all of our supporters, click here.

If you are feeling suicidal Are you finding yourself thinking about suicide? If you are concerned about your immediate safety or the safety of someone else – Ring 111 Why do I feel like this? We all experience life in different ways, how things effect us will depend on a variety of factors such as your age, support network, emotional resilience . Some of the most difficult experiences can be: experiencing bereavement loss major life stresses (e.g. a relationship breakdown, legal or financial problems) being abused (physical, emotional or sexual) being bullied or excluded chronic pain and chronic illness (including mental illness ) unemployment alcohol and drug use. It might be that you are experiencing a combination of the above in your life that is leading you to feel overwhelmed and distressed. You might be feeling so troubled that you are unable to sleep, eat, or enjoy anything. When you are in a place where you don't think you can keep going on, your thoughts might involve wishing you were dead or you may be thinking about ending your life. You might think that your family and friends would be better off without you. You may be feeling overwhelmed by situations in your life leading to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Although you may be feeling painfully alone right now, it is important for you to know that other people have been there and have had thoughts about ending their lives too. If you think that you are at immediate risk of committing suicide: call 111 and request an ambulance. Stay on the line, speak clearly, and be ready to answer the operator’s questions visit you local hospital’s emergency department call your local Public Emergency Mental Health Service or go straight to your doctor. Each of these emergency services teams are specially trained to support people in crisis, including people feeling suicidal, and are able to keep you safe. What do I do next? There are a number of services and professionals available to help you through this difficult time. There are also things you can do, to help yourself when you’re feeling distressed or overwhelmed and thinking about hurting yourself or ending your life. It is important to remember, that you are still in control of your body and your actions. With the right steps at the right time, these thoughts can, and do, go away, even if they are really full on. If you are contemplating suicide but are not thinking about harming yourself immediately, tell someone how you are feeling, even if it is hard. Talk to a close friend, whanau member, teacher or school counsellor, anyone you can trust. Call the suicide support phone lines or make an appointment with your GP/Counsellor/Mental Health Professional. It can be helpful to have a plan in place for when these thoughts come on. Samaritans - offers confidential, non religious, and non judgmental support, to anyone who may be feeling depressed lonely or even contemplating suicide. They are available 24 hours a day. Contact number 0800 726 666 Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP) Lifeline Aotearoa’s helpline and text line provides 24/7, confidential support from qualified Counsellors and trained volunteers. Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) helpline for any person who is thinking about or attempted suicide, concerned about or supporting someone else or who is recently bereaved by suicide . Need to Talk 1737 - free call or text at any time, for support from a trained Counsellor. Remember suicidal thoughts will not go away by themselves, take them and yourself seriously. With the right support you will feel better. Skylight is here to help you navigate this difficult time. We have contract counselling services in Wellington, Porirua, Lower Hutt, Churton Park, Kāpiti, Whangarei, Auckland, New Plymouth and Christchurch and a partnership network across Aoteraroa for support in other regions. Our specialised Resource Centre and library can support you with information, publications, books and Dvds, accessible nationwide free of charge. Please follow the links to contact us for further information and access to the that support you and your whānau need. We invite you to find out about Travellers - a school based programme promoting resilience and well-being in year 9 students. You might also be interested in: Anxiety Suicide and rainbow communities How to build resilience Loss of health

Moving house? Helping your kids and teens through it. Deciding to move house begins a string of chain reactions within any family. Every situation is different and every child and teen is different, but some do struggle with the changes. Deciding to move house begins a string of chain reactions within any family. Every situation is different and every child and teen is different, but some do struggle with the changes. Communicate . Talk with your kids, whatever their ages, about why you’re moving. Always keep them informed about what’s happening, at every step. Identify the positives of the move , but also honestly acknowledge that moving isn’t easy and will mean changes. Give them time to get used to the idea and its implications. Encourage questions . Bite-sized pieces of info are good to give them, but they may need to ask questions to recheck things that they didn’t take in at first, or that they are worrying about. Expect reactions. They are a natural response to changes. Talk with them and listen well. Expect physical reactions , as well as emotional ones. Grief after a loss can express itself in such things tummy pains, headaches, upset stomach, thumb sucking or bed wetting. Also tearfulness, feeling low, changes in eating or sleeping, wanting to be close to you a lot or withdrawing, difficulty concentrating on things and playing up. This is normal. Giving your child or teen more than their usual amount of attention, reassurance, affirmation and time can make a big difference to these kinds of reactions. If, a few weeks after the move, you’re concerned that the reactions are not shifting, or have become more serious, see your GP. Ahead of the move help them learn about their new community and the positive things about it. Have photos, pamphlets or maps, or if possible travel to see the new place. Find out about things important to your child or teen. For example, school choices, sports facilities, youth groups or clubs, etc. Check out books about moving from your local library, school library or bookshop. If the children are younger, read them together. Involve them in decision-making , whenever possible. For example, where to put new things in the house, how to do their new room or what colour to paint it. Invite their ideas. Use their help. When it comes time to leave your home, think of ways to say goodbye. Many find this helpful. It may just mean walking from room to room – alone or together. It may mean taking photos. Having a party. Perhaps leaving a card for the new owners that everyone signs. Everyone’s different, but acknowledging the change and loss openly certainly helps the process along. On moving day … make time for each other, have treasured toys or belongings nearby, have favourite music available to play, eat a fun meal together, and sort your children’s rooms first. Meet the Neighbours. Remember that being super stressed is very likely to increase your family’s stress. Introduce yourself and your children to neighbours in whatever ways work for you. It can help families feel linked in more quickly to their new community. Perhaps just knocking on a door, inviting them round or saying hello in the street or as they pass. It can feel awkward, but it can make a positive difference to settling in. Encourage and help your children to keep in touch with old friend s, as well as finding new ones. This is part of the journey, especially for teens whose peers are so important to them. Perhaps use photo albums or boards for memories, and help them link into groups and opportunities in your area so they can meet others. Remember that being super stressed is very likely to increase your family’s stress. Here’s what Sue, an Auckland Mum, found out during a big move. “The kids were stressing out everywhere – and so was I. My teen spent all her time in her room. Late one night, in the middle of all the boxes, I realised something had to change. I needed to keep our family life as positive as possible. Over the next weeks I put more effort into things like providing snacks and meals they enjoyed, hugging my kids and smiling at them, trying to keep myself calm and organised so I didn’t freak out so often, sleeping well, and laughing as much as possible. I let each of the kids take a disposable camera around to record memories. I called a quick family meeting every night for a few minutes to take suggestions and check in on any news or decisions that had to be made. Before that the kids just felt like they were in my way or making things more complicated. Now they were part of the whole thing. It helped a lot.” You might also be interested in: Anxiety Family break-up Parenting

Family change Browse our articles below. To explore our full collection of resources on other themes, click here . Family break-up When a break up happens in the family, it can be hard on everyone, especially when there are children involved. Read more Explore all resources

Family break-up When a break up happens in the family, it can be hard on everyone, especially when there are children involved. When a family breaks up, everyone is affected. It is important to look for support for yourself and your children and teens. This can come from friends, family and whānau. It will take some adjustment to go from being a live-in family unit, to living separately, getting on as separated parents and working out mutually agreed child-care arrangements. Being partners in parenting will greatly benefit everyone involved. How parents manage a separation or divorce and how they deal with any conflicts during this time, has a big impact on how the family copes. Family break up also brings uncertainty about the future. Children and young people need the love and support from both parents, as they come to terms with the changes. They need to feel protected, safe and looked after. It is never easy making the changes to a new family routine, and sometimes it even involves moving to a new location. It can take time, and children and young people will need your support and encouragement to get used to their new life. Visit the shop for publications. You might also be interested in: Anxiety How to build resilience Parenting

Loss of health One of the biggest challenges of any illness or disability is coping with the changes, losses, and grief that they can bring with them. One of the biggest challenges of any illness or disability is coping with the changes, losses and grief that they can bring with them. What can help? A loss of health, mental health, and/or physical abilities may be gradual or sudden. What might happen next is often very uncertain. An unwell person must adjust to both physical changes and their consequences. Everyday life can become quite different. There can be all kinds of losses to adjust to. A person may lose: their old self – how they used to be (identity) their sense of control over their body or mind independence the ability to keep up regular, everyday routines, to do familiar tasks, or be in usual roles mobility the ability to drive employment and previous income, career plans opportunities to do things they’d anticipated or planned – their dreams ready access to friends, family, whānau and community previously enjoyed confidence – in themselves, in the future self-esteem privacy and dignity familiar surroundings, if a move from home is needed The grief that naturally follows such significant and life-altering losses, can take considerable time to process. Grief can start at diagnosis, but with daily reminders and frustrations about what’s been lost, or with new health issues arising or crises happening, people can feel they are in a continuous cycle of loss and grief. Despite this, sometimes their grief can go unrecognised or unacknowledged by others, who don’t realise the huge impact that a change in health can have. What can help? Any kind of loss needs acknowledging and grieving. Make time to grieve honestly for what has changed and been lost. Do it in your way. Grief is a process that helps people adjust gradually to what’s happened. There will be good days and not so good days. Be kind to yourself Express yourself. Maybe write thoughts and feelings down, use music, have conversations, get creative, cry, yell… everyone is different, but grief can bring strong, deep feelings and releasing them can be a relief Talking can help. Find someone trusted to talk to about what you’re dealing with. Perhaps a close family member or friend, a Counsellor, a doctor or health support worker, or others who have 'been there’ and know what it’s really like Use whatever stress-busting activities that have helped before, to manage stress and be willing to try some new ideas Ask for help if you need it and use all the support that’s available Keep connected with others and avoid becoming isolated. Reach out with visits or by phone, email, messaging, video chat, or even letters Your outlook matters. A positive attitude can help you look for solutions and give things a go Gratitude can help you notice the good things, in the middle of big challenges Optimism can help you find some hope Use your sense of humour and spend time with those who like to laugh and have fun Give yourself a break. Distract yourself sometimes with things you still enjoy doing Keep up routines if that helps you feel more settled Look after yourself well, every day. Get the basics right, like exercise, good sleep, and regular meals Find some extra support if you are struggling with depression or dark thoughts. You don’t need to go through this on your own. Connect with a doctor, Counsellor, support person, support group, or a helpline. You might also be interested in: How to build resilience Ageing Delayed grief

Mental health Browse our articles below. To explore our full collection of resources on other themes, click here . Anxiety Anxiety is a natural part of how our body prepares for challenges, but when it becomes overwhelming or constant, it can impact daily life and wellbeing. Read more How to build resilience Ways to build resilience in children, teens and adults, and in families, groups, schools, businesses, organisations and communities. Read more Explore all resources

How to build resilience Ways to build resilience in children, teens and adults, and in families, groups, schools, businesses, organisations and communities. We all need resilience to cope with the challenges life throws at us. Looking at how you have managed and survived past events, can help you become more resilient at managing future events. You can also increase your resilience and that of others in the following ways: getting connected. Make friends , get to know people, join in with teams, clubs, and organisations. Talk to and help people and allow them to help you don’t give up. Everyone deals with a crisis from time to time. Work your way through it. Things will get better. It isn’t easy, but you do get through eventually change is happening all the time. It's unsettling when change happens. See change as an opportunity set some long-term goals, then work out the steps to achieve them. Make these steps your short-term goals and work your way through them. Make sure they are realistic and achievable think about how you can solve problems, instead of wishing that they would go away often, people find that they have developed better skills, made new friends, and know themselves better after they have gone through a crisis develop your skills and instincts, and then develop confidence in your ability to use them expect some set-backs. Then carry on working towards your goals always be hopeful of your ability to get through, and that things will improve - practise thinking positive thoughts look after yourself. Exercise and eat well, and learn to relax get to know yourself. Some people do this by meditation or writing down their thoughts. It’s helpful to know what your opinions are, and to reflect on how you handle life, what works for you and what doesn’t. You might also be interested in: Delayed grief Loss of job

Bereavement When someone close to you dies Bereavement is the term used to describe the time of sadness and loneliness experienced after the death of someone you love. Grief refers to the emotions and reactions we have and is a normal and natural response to loss. It takes time and can affect every part of us. The emotional and mental pain that is so intense, will gradually ease, even though you may not feel like it will. Grief can be so powerful, and ebbs and flows like a wave. The thoughts, feelings , and reactions you have can: come and go crash on you all at once blend into each other be brief and intense be hard to describe be scary or numbing and paralysing feel out of control or be delayed and come later. Grief is hard work and can leave you feeling exhausted. It is Ok, not to feel Ok. Everyone is different , your grief is unique to you. There is no wrong or right way to experience grief, grief has no rules or timetable, it will eventually get easier to handle. Take the time and space you need to grieve in your own way. Your loss will always be part of your life and will be triggered every now and then and it may feel like it is one step forward and two backwards. Your grief healing process isn't about fixing it, or making it disappear, it is about assisting you to adjust to all the changes in your life, by helping you to come to terms with it physically, mentally, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Tips for managing your grief: allow yourself to cry letting it out- getting it out small bursts at a time - talk it, write it, draw it, do it physically by playing a sport connect with friends and family to share memories telling someone you trust what is going on inside you, can be a great release look after yourself - eat well, drink water, exercise, get enough sleep and be gentle on yourself. You might also be interested in: How to talk to children about death Delayed grief