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Other organisations that can help There are a number of other great organisations that offer specialist support and information services for children, young people and their whānau. If you haven't found what you are looking for on our website, you may find something useful here. If you, or someone you know, is feeling suicidal or in a life threatening situation please call 111. National helplines 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor. Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Kidsline 0800 54 37 54 for people up to 18 years old. Open 24/7. Lifeline 0800 543 354 Mental Health Foundation 09 623 4812, to access its free resource and information service. Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254 Samaritans 0800 726 666 Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) Supporting Families in Mental Illness 0800 732 825 thelowdown.co.nz Web chat, email chat or free text 5626 What's Up 0800 942 8787 (for 5 to 18-year-olds). Phone counselling available Monday-Friday, noon-11pm and weekends, 3pm-11pm. Online chat is available 3pm-10pm daily. Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234, email [email protected] , or find online chat and other support options here. For children Free Children's Phone Lines to call so that you can talk to someone and get help and support Whatsup - phone service (0800 942 8787).open from 11am -11pm 7 days, 365 days of the year, including public holidays Need to talk? - free text or talk to a trained Counsellor - dial 1737 Bullying No Bully - info for kids and parents about bullying If violence happens Are you OK? In Your Hands Women’s Refuge For children facing their own health or disability challenges Growing Up With Medical Problems - for kids and teens For parents General Parenting Support Parenting Place (NZ) Hot Tips for Parents - excellent downloads to choose from, according to the age of your child Kiwi Families - Passionate Parents (NZ) Tips for Parents - free resources about raising children in New Zealand. The Goldfish Guide to Raising Optimistic Kids - a download booklet (USA) A Positive Approach (US) - info for parents parenting teens Great Activities to Help your Children become more Optimistic (USA) Great Activities to Help your Children become more Resilient (USA) Stress in Children and Adolescents: Tips for Parents (USA) Parenting a Child with Special Needs Parenting a Child with Special Needs Supporting Anxious Children Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders in Children - information for parents When Children Have Attachment Issues Attachment Disorders & Reactive Attachment Disorder (USA) General family support links Community and Family Services Directory for locating support for your family near you - this is excellent Family Times - a selection of useful information for New Zealand families Parents Inc - offers programmes and resources for NZ parents Barnardos - support and information for NZ families Parents Centre New Zealand Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - support and information for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren Jigsaw - an active network of child protection services throughout New Zealand The New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse - offers info and resources on family violence prevention Tough Love NZ - support for parents of kids with extreme behaviour issues Oranga Tamariki - for help when children are at risk, and for info about adoption and parenting Victim Support NZ - provides info and support to NZ victims of crime Suicide Prevention Information NZ - suicide prevention info, research and projects in New Zealand Relationship Services - info and resources available on family relationship issues Trauma Support Websites Supporting Children and Teens Tips for Supporting Teenagers after a Traumatic Event Understanding Child Traumatic Stress – How psychological trauma in children differs from trauma in adults. Rehab4 Addiction UK - The relationship between trauma and addiction PTSD in Children and Adolescents (USA Dept of Veteran Affairs) About Traumatic Stress and Managing It Understanding and Dealing with PTSD Healing Emotional and Psychological Trauma - Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery For Professionals and Support Workers The USA National Child Traumatic Stress network, offers excellent free online learning courses The effects of earthquakes on families and children A Brief Description of EMDR Therapy – (EMDR Network) Please note Skylight does not provide EDMR Therapy Trauma, Attachment, and Stress Disorders: Rethinking and Reworking Developmental Issues – brain-based view of emotional trauma and its impact on children. (Trauma Resources) If you know someone is in prison PILLARS NZ Bereavement Growing Through Grief - offering programmes for children, young people and adults who are experiencing change, loss and grief in their lives. Dove Hospice & Wellness - supporting people with life threatening illness - services and support groups in Auckland Help Guide - coping with grief and loss, support for bereavement Bereavement by Age Group (children and teens) (NZ) Victim Support NZ - provides info and support to NZ victims of crime Tony's Place - support after suicide, offering training for the Waves programme International site links Winton's Wish - supporting bereaved children, teens and their families (UK) Bereaved Families of Ontario - support for bereaved families (Canada) Dougy Centre - grief support for children, teens and parents (USA) Complicated Grief - Mayo Clinic (USA) Explaining Death to Children My Grandad Plants People! - a simple and very engaging guide for grown-ups when children ask tricky questions about death by Chris Earl of P&SW Co-operative Society (UK) Helping a Child When a Parent Has Died (NZ) What to do when your child dies and experiencing grief after your child dies - information for parents and carers (NZ) Miscarriage Support - a team of volunteers of various ages who have all experienced the loss of babies and would like to provide emotional support and information for women and their families during and after miscarriage and subsequent pregnancies. Sands NZ Pregnancy, baby and infant loss support. Sands is a network of parent-run, non-profit groups supporting families who have experienced the death of a baby. We have over 25 groups/contact people around the country. SIDS NZ is a national organisation of parents, families and friends of babies or young children who have died suddenly and/or unexpectedly of any cause, including SIDS. Twin Loss NZ - A New Zealand wide group for those who have lost one or more or all their twins, triplets or more from early pregnancy to childhood and beyond, including the loss of a twin sibling in adulthood. SIDS and Kids Western Australia - for parents experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal and SIDs death (Australia) The Lost Ones - after the loss of a child through Miscarriage, Stillbirth or SIDS. Click on 'forum' for the discussion pages. Helping Siblings after the Death of a Brother or Sister Helping your child after their sister, brother or cousin has died: information for parents or carers After a Suicide Find support after a suicide - After a suicide NZ Bereaved by suicide - Aoake te Rā After a Drowning Death Drowning Support Network for those bereaved by a drowning or aquatic accident of any kind. UK site in origin but open to all. Scroll down for all the various articles, including grief after a drowning. Depression and Anxiety Beating the Blues - an effective New Zealand online depression and anxiety support programme ThroughBlue - a support group for women experiencing depression in Wellington Depression and mental health helplines Adult depression Youth depression (the lowdown) Disability and Illness Support General Everybody - NZ health & disability community and an excellent range of support group listings Enable NZ - working to assist disabled people, families/whanau/hapū, employers, health professionals and disability support organisations Carers NZ - info and support for carers Auckland's Starship Children's Health - including child health info Parent to Parent NZ - offering support and networking for parents across NZ whose children face disability or health issues, as well as sibling support NZORD - NZ Organisation for Rare Disorders - provides NZ's central starting point for info about rare diseases, with an outstanding network listing of support groups nationwide Support for those bereaved by the death of a child or teen from an inherited, usually undiagnosed, cardiac condition Parenting a Child with a Disability or Serious Health Condition Parenting a Child with Special Needs brings many forms of Challenge Tools for parents of children with disabilities and special needs Autism Spectrum Disorders: Primer for Parents and Educators Cancer New Zealand Cancer Society - helpful info and support Breast Cancer Support Sweet Louise The Leukaemia & Blood Foundation (LBF) Child Cancer Foundation - supporting children, teens and their families living with cancer in NZ Canteen - support to young cancer patients, their families, and friends Now What - support site for young cancer patients by Australia’s Canteen Real Time This is a place where young adults dealing with cancer can connect through a web-based peer support community. Pleural mesothelioma Support (USA) Mental Health Depression helpline – free phone support Adult depression Youth depression (the lowdown) Anxiety NZ NZ Mental Health Foundation - offers mental health information and support resources SF Auckland supports families impacted by mental illness Not My Kid - for parents about a variety of mental health issues in kids and teens Stress in Children and Adolescents: Tips for Parents (USA) Puāwaitanga - a free counselling service which is available nationwide 9am - 9pm 7 days a week - for anyone who is 18 years old and over who: • receives financial support from Work & Income (eg. benefit, disability allowance) or; • has a Community Services Card or; • receives a pension or; • lives in emergency housing Addictions Alcohol Drug Helpline See also website links for children and youth Support for other Specific Illness, Condition or Disability True Colours - a Hamilton (NZ) based trust for children and young people living with chronic, serious or life threatening illness, and their families. Heart Children NZ (now known as @Heart) Autism NZ Kidney Kids NZ Muscular Dystrophy NZ Diabetes NZ Diabetes Youth NZ Stroke Foundation NZ Asthma NZ Alzheimer's NZ CCSdisabilityaction IHC NZ Heart Foundation NZ Arthritis NZ Waipuna Hospice - provides specialist palliative care for patients living with a life-limiting illness Sexual Abuse, Assault, Violence Sexual Abuse HELP Wellington - Wellington Sexual Abuse HELP works with survivors of sexual abuse and their whānau – of any age, gender or ethnicity. Louise Nicholas Trust - Louise and her team are trusted people who have experienced sexual violence. To access services, please email [email protected] or 021 326 505. Rape Prevention Education - Whakatu Mauri (Formerly Auckland Rape Crisis) - Provides information around crisis and sexual abuse issues. Their website can link you to Rape Crisis Centres around NZ that can provide free support, counselling (both phone and face-to-face), practical assistance, advocacy, and resources for women and children who are survivors of rape and/or sexual abuse. They also provide education and training for young people, parent groups and the wider community, especially in the Auckland region on preventing sexual violence and dealing with disclosures of abuse. Male Survivors - The sexual harm helpline can be accessed free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 0800 044 334 or text 4334 You might also be interested in: Professional development opportunities Guide for young people Guide for schools Guide for parents and carers Request a support pack Contact us

Awhi Mai Awhi Atu Wellbeing Counselling support in schools. Supporting Student Wellbeing: Awhi Mai Awhi Atu Counselling in Schools Students' mental health is closely tied to how they engage, achieve, and show up at school. When they’re supported emotionally, they thrive academically and socially. Awhi Mai Awhi Atu is a school-based counselling programme that began in 2021, designed to offer evidence-based emotional support for tamariki in primary and intermediate schools. It’s about helping young people feel safe, heard, and empowered to succeed both in the classroom and beyond. Skylight, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, is proud to be Aotearoa’s largest provider of this initiative, currently serving 32 schools across South Canterbury, Waikato, and Wellington. Feedback: "The learning support team have been bringing in students who are socially anxious to meet with me as drop-ins to see if they will feel comfortable in the therapy room - all have been keen to move forward with a referral. I attribute this to the calming powers of plasticine!" School Counsellor "A parent emailed to thank me for my work and said she has seen a huge difference in her child since doing the counselling." School Counsellor "Kaiako (teachers) have commented that they’ve seen an increase in attendance from ākonga that have accessed counselling." Teacher "During the painting with music, one of the tamariki whispered, “I didn’t know colours could make you feel better”. Te Korowai Programme Facilitator "There were moments of pride when tamariki added feathers to the korowai. It started to mean something to them – they touched it with reverence, like it had power." Te Korowai Programme SWiS How to Register Your Interest If you’re interested in this programme as a school counsellor, educator or Principal, please reach out to us at [email protected] You might also be interested in: Travellers Tai-oranga Matika Pathfinders

Guide for young people If you’re going through a hard time, feeling stuck, or just need someone to talk to — you’re in the right place. Skylight offers support that’s real, respectful, and designed to help you feel stronger and more connected. Life can be hard sometimes. You might be dealing with stuff like grief, anxiety, family changes, school pressure, or just feeling overwhelmed — and maybe you don’t know who to talk to, or how to even begin. You are not alone, and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. Skylight is here to support you through whatever you’re going through. We work with young people all across Aotearoa, offering free and low-cost counselling, group programmes, and tools to help you understand your feelings and build your own resilience. One of our most popular programmes is called Travellers — a small group that runs in some high schools to help students talk about challenges, learn new skills, and realise they’re not the only ones feeling this way. We also have loads of helpful resources — from worksheets and journals to videos and apps — that can support you to feel more in control, connected, and hopeful. Whether you are struggling right now or just curious about what support might look like, we are here for you. You can talk to someone, read more about our programmes, or just explore in your own time. This is your space. And however you are feeling, it’s okay to start here. You might also be interested in: Guide for schools Guide for parents and carers Other organisations that can help Request a support pack

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

Pathfinders A wellbeing programme for young women and non-binary individuals aged 12 - 16. Pathfinders Wellbeing Programme Rangatahi today face increasing social and emotional pressures. Pathfinders gives them tools to navigate those challenges, while helping them feel proud of their identity, voice, and story. Pathfinders is a free, creative wellbeing programme developed by Skylight, designed for young women and non-binary youth aged 12–16. Through engaging activities, kōrero, and art, participants explore their identity, build resilience, and grow their confidence — all in a safe and inclusive space. Pathfinders offers a unique, low-intervention approach that blends: Psychoeducation – learning about mental health, identity, and resilience in a way that makes sense Kōrero – guided discussions and reflections on self, whānau, whakapapa and life experiences Creative Arts – hands-on projects that allow rangatahi to express their identity and explore what makes them unique The Pathfinders journey helps those taking part to: Celebrate their whakapapa, whānau and sense of self Feel more confident and connected to who they are Learn skills to support their emotional wellbeing and resilience Discover how to lead with courage, strength, and self-belief This programme has seen over 1,500 rangatahi taking part in this successful programme which is delivered in schools, community groups, and Skylight’s own spaces. “I have learnt to be proud of my identity and where I come from.” “I’ve learnt new skills and a better understanding of myself.” For more information or to arrange a presentation at your school or community space, please contact us at: [email protected] You might also be interested in: Travellers Tai-oranga Matika Pathfinders Awhi Mai Awhi Atu

Tai-oranga A four hour school based programme comprised of 3 modules - for tamariki 7 - 9 years. Empowering tamariki aged 7–9 with the tools to thrive Tai-oranga is a fun, interactive school-based wellbeing programme designed to give tamariki the knowledge and confidence to care for their minds, bodies, and emotions. Rooted in the principles of Te Whare Tapa Whā and inspired by positive psychology, Tai-oranga supports children to build resilience, strengthen their emotional literacy, and explore what it means to live a healthy, balanced life. This four-hour programme is delivered in schools, weaving together movement, mindfulness, kōrero (discussion), and creativity to guide children on a journey of self-awareness and personal growth. What the Programme offers Tai-oranga empowers tamariki to: Build confidence and emotional resilience Understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected Recognise and celebrate their strengths and interests Learn tools for relaxation and emotional regulation Strengthen positive thinking and problem-solving skills Understand how to care for their tinana (body), hinengaro (mind), wairua (spirit), and whānau (social relationships) If you would like to learn more or explore how your school or organisation can get involved, please email [email protected] . You might also be interested in: Travellers Tai-oranga Matika Pathfinders Awhi Mai Awhi Atu

Travellers Travellers is a school-based resilience programme designed for Year 9 students navigating challenging life transitions. Empowering young people to navigate life’s journey. Travellers is a nationally recognised, school-based programme developed by Skylight in partnership with the Ministry of Health. Designed for Year 9 students navigating challenging life transitions—such as loss, family change, or starting secondary school—Travellers builds the essential life skills of resilience, confidence, self-esteem, and emotional wellbeing . Through the powerful metaphor that "life is a journey," students explore their own stories, challenges, and strengths in a small-group setting led by trained facilitators. Travellers has supported thousands of young people across Aotearoa since its launch in 2001, and is backed by ongoing research, evaluation, and a trusted reputation in schools. A recent independent evaluation by ImpactLab revealed that for every $1 invested in Travellers, $3.30 of measurable social good is returned to New Zealand. This equates to $2,563 of social value generated per participant, with outcomes including improved mental health, increased academic achievement, and reduced risky behaviour. About the Training This two-day immersive workshop is your opportunity to become a Travellers Facilitator. Designed primarily for school guidance counsellors and pastoral care staff, it equips you to deliver the programme with confidence, care, and creativity. What to expect: Experience Travellers from the inside out – participate as both a student and a facilitator to gain deep insight into the programme. Explore the ‘life journey’ framework and learn how to guide students through eight interactive, themed sessions. Hands-on, practical training facilitated by Skylight’s experienced trainers. Learn about the full Travellers kit , including manuals, tools, and access to the online student wellbeing survey. By the end of the training, you’ll be ready to lead impactful groups that help students recognise their strengths, process change, and build lasting connections—all within a safe, supportive environment. Dates and locations We have training in the following locations: Both days are from 8.45am - 4pm Wellington: Thursday 28th August and Friday 29th August Tokoroa: Thursday 11th September and Friday 12th September Contact [email protected] to book your place You might also be interested in: Tai Oranga Matika Pathfinders Awhi Mai Awhi Atu

Heart Song A bereaved parents' support group in Wellington. Heart Song is a Skylight facilitated group for parents in the Wellington region who have been bereaved by the loss of a child of any age. They may have died recently, or a long time ago. The grief of bereaved parents is unique. The support group offers understanding, friendship, hope, a place to talk about your child and your loss, and helpful information and ideas for dealing with grief and everyday situations. The group was started by bereaved parents who know what a huge difference it makes to meet others who have been through a similar loss. Everyone is welcome. 2025 meeting dates: 10th September 08th October 12th November 10th December Where and what time Skylight Trust office: Level 3 39 Webb Street Te Aro Wellington From 7.15 p.m. for coffee, meeting runs from 7.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. [email protected] You might also be interested in: Parenting Through Separation

Waves Waves is an eight week programme that aims to support adults aged 18 and older who have been bereaved by suicide. The programme combines learning about suicide and bereavement, with group discussion and support. The group is facilitated by two trained facilitators over eight weeks and supports members to: meet and share with others who are also experiencing the impact of suicide explore aspects of their grief and reduce isolation and stigma associated with bereavement by suicide in a safe and supportive environment get information and strategies about how to care for themselves and others (including children and young people), after a suicide adjust to living with loss and moving forward While Skylight is no longer running Waves or training facilitators , the programme continues to be offered throughout Aotearoa. Please connect with Tony's Place to learn more about Waves facilitator training opportunities and visit Mental Health Foundation for current Waves groups. You might also be interested in:

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

Work with us Explore our personal development and job opportunities Professional development opportunities Explore Skylight’s professional development opportunities – tailored training, webinars, and presentations to support those working with children, young people, and families. Learn more . Job opportunities At Skylight, we’re always interested in hearing from people who are passionate about supporting others through life’s challenges. If you believe your skills and values align with our work, we’d love to hear from you – even if we don’t have a specific role advertised. We’re especially interested in connecting with qualified counsellors who would like to join our network and work alongside us to provide compassionate, evidence-based support to individuals, whānau, and communities. If you’d like to explore opportunities with us, please get in touch with [email protected] You might also be interested in: Professional development opportunities Our supporters Contact us Governance Get involved