Search Results

Grief 101 for Parents A basic understanding of grief and how to cope when you are grieving. You might also be interested in: Practical Strategies for Self-Care and Resilience Parenting through Grief

Relationships Browse our articles below. To explore our full collection of resources on other themes, click here . Parenting Parenting is one of the most rewarding, challenging, joyous and frustrating experiences that we can have. Read more Explore all resources

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

Abusive relationships Partner abuse is a sign of an unhealthy relationship. What is partner abuse? Partner abuse can take different forms, and could be physical, emotional or sexual. Some signs of partner abuse are when your partner: controls the finances doesn't allow you to do things like get a job stops you seeing family, whānau and friends uses insults - like calling you lazy, fat, or stupid, or other names that make you feel bad is very jealous threatens to leave, kill, or hurt you or the children threatens or hurts family, whānau pets slaps, hits, punches, chokes, pushes, burns you or the children hurts or threatens you or the children with weapons or objects forces you into sexual acts you don't want destroys property takes away the car keys. Partner abuse is a sign of an unhealthy relationship . In an unhealthy relationship there is: lack of trust and openness one person has power over the other one person is physically, sexually and/or emotionally hurtful to the other. If you feel you are in an abusive relationship please see the organisations listed which may be able to help you. Skylight can provide counselling support to you and children or please contact the resource centre for further information. You might also be interested in: Trauma If you are feeling suicidal How to build resilience Delayed grief Subscribe to our newsletter Looking for more support? Sign up to receive resources, reflections, and updates in your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time. First name Email address* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Subscribe By submitting this form, you consent and agree to Skylight Trust collecting and handling your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy . If you have any questions or wish to view or amend your information, please email us at [email protected]

Azrul Bibi Administrator -Kaiwhakataka About me 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. My role at Skylight is as an Administrator entering confidential data for Counselling and Programmes and completing general administration duties. I enjoy working at Skylight because every day I learn something new and creative, and I work with beautiful people. Outside of work I enjoy watching cartoons with my daughter, watch rugby and love cooking for my children. Next Previous

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

Maria Mitimeti-Clark Trustee About me "As a mum I’m profoundly connected to the work that Skylight does. Grief and loss can be crippling. While from a cultural perspective grieving is done as a collective, and there are structures in place, we all need help to navigate the individual part of grief and loss. And we must remove the stigma around asking for help, especially for kids. I gravitated towards Skylight because I wanted to make a contribution to a better future for tamariki and rangatahi. I want to help our kids navigate the challenging times in their lives so they can continue to thrive." 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. She sees an opportunity for Skylight to be innovative and lead. Next Previous

Dr. Amanda Perry Trustee About me “As a counsellor deeply committed to mental health and emotional wellbeing, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of compassionate support during life’s most challenging moments. Skylight Trust’s mission to walk alongside individuals and whānau navigating grief, trauma, and loss resonates deeply with my values and professional experience. I’m passionate about contributing my insights from face to face and online counselling to help shape strategic decisions that ensure Skylight continues to offer responsive, inclusive, and impactful services. Serving on the board enables me to share my knowledge and give back to the community in a meaningful way, with maximum impact.” Dr Amanda Perry is an experienced clinician and academic leader, who is passionate about supporting people to reach their potential. A qualified counsellor, play therapist, and EMDR practitioner, Amanda has a small private practice. She has experience working in medical settings, schools, online mental health forums, and in private practice. Amanda’s PhD focused on the work of online mental health forum moderators (health professionals) in terms of how they work to move at-risk individuals towards safety using only the written word. Alongside her private practice, Amanda works as the Dean of Academic Operations at Whitecliffe College. Next Previous

Parenting Parenting is one of the most rewarding, challenging, joyous and frustrating experiences that we can have. Whatever age or stage your child is at, communication is key, and good communication is paramount. This is especially true with teenagers and young adults. Many people say there is a lot more conflict between parents and their children once they reach the teenage years and into young adulthood. Conflict is a normal part of any relationship, but conflict can increase during times of change. As children grow into young adults, there is a lot of change both physically and emotionally/mentally. It can be hard to find a new way of communicating with the young adult that was once your child. Tips on how to communicate with your teenager/young adult: praise and encourage your teen tell them you love them be honest with them don't yell at them let them form their own opinions help them solve their problems, but don't do it for them keep talking to them let them know that they are enough timing - pick your moment to tackle an issue with them be mindful of your body language be willing to understand the situation before acting learn the art of self control encourage appropriate expressions of anger be willing to be disliked sometimes - you can't always be their best friend. Listening and talking is the key to a healthy connection between you and your children. But parenting is hard work and maintaining a good connection with teens can be challenging, especially since parents are dealing with many other pressures. It is really important to look after yourself as well, you can't possibly expect to be a great parent if you are running on empty all the time. Being a teenager today is hard - the introduction of social media and the expectations that we place on ourselves makes growing up harder than ever. If you are having problems over an extended period of time, you might want to consider consulting with a professional to find out how they can help. Counselling for your teen and yourself may help to open communications channels again. You might also be interested in: ADHD Autism Spectrum Disorder (Takiwātanga) How to talk to children about death Anxiety Family break-up Moving house? Helping your kids and teens through it. Subscribe to our newsletter Looking for more support? Sign up to receive resources, reflections, and updates in your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time. First name Email address* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Subscribe By submitting this form, you consent and agree to Skylight Trust collecting and handling your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy . If you have any questions or wish to view or amend your information, please email us at [email protected]

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 Subscribe to our newsletter Looking for more support? Sign up to receive resources, reflections, and updates in your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time. First name Email address* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Subscribe By submitting this form, you consent and agree to Skylight Trust collecting and handling your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy . If you have any questions or wish to view or amend your information, please email us at [email protected]

Bridy Haughey Senior Programme Coordinator | Kaituitui Hōtaka Matua About me Ko Bridy Haughey tōku ingoa. I am an educational psychologist working as Senior Programmes Coordinator. I chose to work at Skylight because I have always been passionate about helping others and working with young people. I love working in Programmes because it provides an opportunity to support a wider group of people at once, to help improve different aspects of their mental health and overall wellbeing. In my spare time, I like to read, travel, watch films, and spend time at the beach. I also enjoy yoga as I find that it is a great way to destress at the end of the day. Next Previous

Lesley Hoskin Trustee About me "Skylight was the right fit for me. I have a real connection to Skylight and its focus on children and mental health. My friend had a personal experience with Skylight, so I was familiar with its important, helpful work and being in the education sector I was very aware of the growing need for support. The resilience skills Skylight promotes in tamariki and rangatahi are the skills most people need to navigate life. By using specialist trained counsellors and facilitators to work with children, and by targeting mild to moderate mental health issues and risk, we are filling a gap and setting up people and society to succeed." Lesley brings a wealth of experience to the Board. She is Chief Executive at the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand – responsible for providing strong leadership, influence and the drive to lift the status of the teaching profession. Her background in IT, e-learning, change management, public service (education) and governance mean she is well placed to bring strategic thinking, planning and delivery experience to the role of Deputy Chair of the Board. Lesley also has a Diploma in Te Reo Māori, a Masters in Public Sector Management, and a Postgraduate Diploma Management & Leadership from Oxford University. Next Previous