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Loss and grief Browse our articles below. To explore our full collection of resources on other themes, click here . Loss of a pet For many people a pet is a beloved member of the family and when they die it is a significant loss. Read more How to talk to children about death What is the right thing to say, especially at a time when a parent is often going through their own grief? Read more Bereavement When someone close to you dies Read more 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. Read more Ageing As people age, they commonly face many changes and losses. Grieving for these, and adjusting to new circumstances, can be hard. Read more 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. Read more Delayed grief The natural grief process helps us adjust to loss. Delayed grief means the grief process hasn’t started or is stuck. This can be for a variety of reasons. Read more Loss of job Losing your job, for any reason, can be as stressful as losing a loved one. Here you can find different ideas to get you through this challenging time. Read more Explore all resources

Trauma Browse our articles below. To explore our full collection of resources on other themes, click here . Trauma Trauma is a response to either a one-time event or to many adverse experiences over time. Read more Abusive relationships Partner abuse is a sign of an unhealthy relationship. Read more Explore all resources

Counselling for tamariki, rangatahi & whānau – from grief to trauma, arts-based and talking therapies, in-person or online Counselling 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. Request counselling Our Services Dealing with trauma, change, loss and grief can be very hard at times. You don't have to do it alone. Having someone working alongside you can make a difference. We offer counselling for children, young people, and family/whānau who are experiencing any kind of grief, loss and trauma. We have a family-centered approach when working with tamariki. This means we include parents or caregivers and family members in the counselling process when appropriate. We provide music, arts and talking therapies. The range of issues we could support you with include: Grief and bereavement (including bereavement by suicide or homicide) Trauma (including witnessing a traumatic event) Family break up and adjusting to blended families Behavioural issues (anger in children, bullying) Neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD) Illness and anticipated death Mild to moderate mental health issues Have experienced domestic violence Relationship challenges Injury or disability Disaster aftermath Skylight offers counselling services in: Kāpiti Petone Porirua Lower Hutt Wellington Online counselling is also available You can connect with a Counsellor at a time and place that suits you. All you need is a computer or smartphone and the internet. Fee details and more information Skylight counselling ranges from $45.00 to $149.50 (incl. GST) per session. Funding options may be available. For queries or appointment bookings, please click the button below to contact the Counselling Coordinator. Request counselling Other help Request a support pack We can provide support packs for specific situations – just ask us for what you need. Read more Support groups Skylight recognises the therapeutic value of support groups. We offer a variety of support groups for people facing tough times. Read more Other organisations There are a number of other great organisations that offer specialist support and information services for children, young people and their whānau. Read more

Neurodiversity Browse our articles below. To explore our full collection of resources on other themes, click here . Autism Spectrum Disorder (Takiwātanga) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a difference in how the brain develops and functions. Read more Explore all resources

Skylight is a national not-for-profit trust that enables children, young people, their families/ whānau and friends to navigate through times of trauma Programmes We offer resilience-building programmes for both schools and individuals, supporting mental health, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth through guided, age-appropriate experiences. Choose below to find a programme that fits your needs. Filter by Programme Type For individuals For schools Travellers Travellers is a school-based resilience programme designed for Year 9 students navigating challenging life transitions. Learn more Tai-oranga A four hour school based programme comprised of 3 modules - for tamariki 7 - 9 years. Learn more Matika An eight week programme to support tamariki through loss and grief. Learn more Pathfinders A wellbeing programme for young women and non-binary individuals aged 12 - 16. Learn more Heart Song A bereaved parents' support group in Wellington. Learn more Awhi Mai Awhi Atu Wellbeing Counselling support in schools. Learn more Parenting Through Separation PTS is a free information course for individual parents who have separated or who are contemplating separation. Learn more Waves Waves is an eight week programme that aims to support adults aged 18 and older who have been bereaved by suicide. Learn more

Parenting Through Separation PTS is a free information course for individual parents who have separated or who are contemplating separation. This practical information course is designed to help separated parents — or those thinking about separating — to understand and manage the impact of separation on their children. The focus is on what matters most: helping you put your children’s needs first. We are contracted by the Ministry of Justice to run PTS. Your personal details are entered into their secure database. A certificate of attendance is issued out of the Ministry on completion of the course. What the Course Offers A safe, supportive small group setting Guidance on co-parenting effectively with your ex-partner or co-carer Tools to create a workable parenting plan Insights into the Family Justice System and how to navigate it Practical resources and take-home materials A chance to connect with others in similar situations The course is run by experienced facilitators and provides a confidential space to share, learn, and feel supported — whether you are early in the separation journey or have been navigating it for a while. Course Locations Courses are held in Kāpiti, Lower Hutt, Porirua and Wellington CBD. If you are in a different region, check the Ministry of Justice website for providers near you. Family Works also delivers PTS in the Wellington region. Visit their website ( www.familyworkscentral.org.nz ) for their course dates and enrolment details or email [email protected] How to Enrol To register for an upcoming course, email [email protected] with your contact details. Upcoming course dates Please note - they may be subject to minor change. All sessions are 10am - 2.30pm . August 2025 Kāpiti - Saturday 30th September 2025 Lower Hutt - Saturday 6th Wellington - Saturday 20th Porirua - Friday 19th Kāpiti - Saturday 27th October 2025 Porirua - Friday 3rd Lower Hutt - Saturday 4th Wellington - Saturday 18th Kāpiti - Saturday 18th November 2025 Lower Hutt - Saturday 8th Porirua - Friday 21st Wellington - Saturday 22nd Kāpiti - Saturday 29th December 2025 Porirua - Friday 5th Kāpiti - Saturday 6th Wellington - Saturday 6th Lower Hutt - Saturday 6th You might also be interested in: Heart Song

Martin Weekes Trustee About me "My name is Martin. I'm married to Jane and a father of 9 children aged from 29-years-old down to my youngest who is 7. I am an accomplished leader, board advisor, coach and mentor specialising in transformation and change. I have over 25 years’ management experience as a senior executive working in Europe, New Zealand, Asia, Australia and the Middle East, working alongside multiple cultures and diverse work forces in the commercial, not for profit and governmental sector. Alongside my commercial career I have been involved with the not-for-profit sector working with and on the boards of several charities. This involvement has supported at-risk children, families impacted by domestic abuse, emergency rescue, children’s air ambulance, The Neonatal Trust, education, and sport helping raise over $100 million within New Zealand. I believe every child deserves the opportunity to live a full and happy life in a positive, stimulating, safe environment and it should be every parent’s wish to see that dream come to fruition. Sadly, that isn’t always the case. However, with the advances in society today that dream should become a reality for all New Zealanders regardless of financial or technological constraints and with innovative thinking, determination and personal commitment together we can make a huge positive impact for New Zealand families." Next Previous

We offer counselling for adults, children, young people, and family/whānau who are experiencing any kind of grief, loss and trauma. Kaimahi Our team brings together experience in mental health, education, and community care. We're committed to supporting whānau through life’s toughest challenges. Kathryn Ross CEO After more than 30 years in local and central government in a variety of roles. I joined Skylight because of its mission and values. Read more Amanda Gregan Director of Operations | Rangatohu Mahi Rangapū My role is to ensure the business runs smoothly and sustainably, while seeking growth opportunities across both existing and new areas of operation. Read more Jenny Devine Clinical Advisor | Kaiwhirinaki Haumanu I am a registered educational psychologist and the Clinical Advisor for Skylight Trust. Read more Vonnie Marshall Counselling Team Leader | Kaitaki Kapa Whakamāherehere I was born in Whanganui-a-Tara and lived in Nelson, where we raised three children. Read more Di Duncan Finance Officer | Kaitari Pūtea I am from the UK but relocated to New Zealand a few years ago. Read more Benjamin Jensen Senior Counselling Coordinator | Kaituitui Whakamāherehere Matua In my role at Skylight, I am a counselling coordinator/counsellor. My roles have changed over the last four years. Read more Bridy Haughey Senior Programme Coordinator | Kaituitui Hōtaka Matua I am an educational psychologist working as Senior Programmes Coordinator. Read more Emma Harbour Programmes Coordinator | Kaituitui Hōtaka Previously, a travel tour coordinator, flight attendant, foster carer and supervisor at a home for pregnant teens. I have joined Skylight this year as a Programme Coordinator. Read more Elliot Freeman Programme Coordinator | Kaituitui Hōtaka Matua I am the programme coordinator for Travellers, Skylight's wellbeing programme which supports young people to build resilience and navigate life’s ups and downs. Read more Tina Taylor Counselling Coordinator | Kaituitui Whakamāherehere I am a Counselling Coordinator at Skylight. Kia ora koutou! I am a Counselling Coordinator at Skylight. Read more Maggie Horrell Creative Arts Therapist Maggie Horrell (she/her/ia) a Creative Arts Therapist (MACAT) hailing from the south. She has a background in English and Classical Literature and spent seven years as a Seed Analyst which means her obscure knowledge is top notch. Read more Anne Bristol Office Manager | Kaiwhakahaere Tari I came to Skylight as a volunteer. This led to becoming the Board Secretary and organising Professional Development workshops across the country. Read more Azrul Bibi Administrator -Kaiwhakataka Originally from the Fiji Islands I arrived in New Zealand in 2023. I completed a Diploma in Accounting at the University of The South Pacific. Read more Maddie Barrett Social Media Coordinator | Kaituitui Pae Pāpori Along with being the social media coordinator, I am also involved in delivering programmes aimed to help tamariki and rangitahi increase their resilience and connect with their identity. Read more Dr. Nicole M. Coupe Chair Dr. Coupe is an experienced researcher and academic with a deep commitment to improving health outcomes through innovative practices. Read more Lesley Hoskin Trustee Lesley brings a wealth of experience to the Board. She is Chief Executive at the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand Read more Nikki Franklin Trustee Nikki has a strong understanding and connections with governance, built up over more than 10 years as part of the Executive Leadership Team of the Institute of Directors (IoD). Read more Brendon Oakley Trustee Brendon is a senior officer within the New Zealand Defence Force. He has seen and done much during his career, from undertaking management and support positions at Defence Headquarters in Wellington to serving with United Nations peacekeeping forces in the Middle East. Read more Tania Vincent Trustee With a career that spans high-level advisory and executive roles in both international and domestic environments, Tania understands the complexities of navigating public, private, and non-profit sectors. Read more Maria Mitimeti-Clark Trustee Maria is a leader with extensive public service experience – both at the Board level and as an Executive. A passionate advocate for better outcomes for Pasifika, Maria connected deeply with the kaupapa of Skylight. Read more Katharine Te Hau Bowden Non-voting Trustee Katharine is a Principal Advisor at Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities and a former Private Secretary for Housing. Read more Akasha Te Amo Liana Rio Non-voting Trustee I am passionate about Te Tiriti o Waitangi, how we address mental health using a Te Triti-based model, and the journey Skylight is on to become a Te Tiriti-based organisation. Read more Dr. Amanda Perry Trustee Dr. Amanda Perry is an experienced clinician and academic leader, who is passionate about supporting people to reach their potential. Read more Martin Weekes Trustee I believe every child deserves the opportunity to live a full and happy life in a positive, stimulating, safe environment and it should be every parent’s wish to see that dream come to fruition. Read more

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 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

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

Donate to Skylight—support tamariki, rangatahi & whānau in Aotearoa. Your gift builds resilience, funds counselling & brings hope to those facing loss Donate to us Your support will help Skylight to continue building resilient children, young people, whānau and communities across Aotearoa. Help us bring light to difficult times Please donate today to help us ensure that no one has to feel alone facing grief, loss or trauma, no matter the reason. Your donation will go directly toward: Free and subsidised counselling for tamariki and rangatahi Tailored resources for whānau navigating tough times Programmes that build resilience and restore hope Donate via the form below or give us a call and we can take your card details over the phone and send you a receipt. You can also donate via Skylight's Give-a-Little Page - money raised goes directly into the Flashlight Fund. This fund pays for counselling for tamariki and rangatahi whose whānau cannot afford this cost. You can claim your donation as a tax credit via Inland Revenue via myIR - there is no need to complete a paper form. Read more on the IRD website . Donate today Every donation helps someone find support, hope, and resilience. Frequency One time One time Monthly Monthly Yearly Yearly Amount $20 $20 $60 $60 $130 $130 Other Other Donate $20