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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 Contact [email protected] for more information or to enquire about 2026 trainings. You might also be interested in: Tai-oranga Matika Pathfinders Awhi Mai Awhi Atu

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

Rose - Resilience Web Series Meet Rose in our resilience web series! Rose tells us that resilience is the ability to bounce back and to not let things bring you down. Through her experiences she shows how surrounding yourself with positive people is something that can really change your outlook. You might also be interested in: Trevney shares his story Journeys Through Methamphetamine Addiction Mana - Resilience Web Series Jahnya shares her story Brittany shares their story McKay - Resilience Web Series Rose - Resilience Web Series Melissa - Resilience Web Series Bella - Resilience Web Series

Emma Harbour Programmes Coordinator | Kaituitui Hōtaka About me Kia ora, I am Emma. 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. Our team oversees networking with other community organisations and schools to promote and deliver a variety of youth wellbeing programmes. I work at Skylight Trust because the values and work align with my personal ethos. I am passionate and motivated to support others, and I want to use my time and energy for meaningful work. When I am not at work I enjoy knitting & crochet while watching the latest TV series, baking and trying out new recipes, nature walks and campervan adventures with my husband and two chihuahuas, being an active aunty, hosting international students and volunteering with the New Zealand Red Cross in a refugee resettlement. Next Previous

Dr. Nicole M. Coupe tangata whenua Co-Chair About me "I’ve known of Skylight since 2008, when I worked with the then CEO on research into suicide. From this I gained an insight into Skylight’s great work with tamariki and rangatahi. I subsequently conducted a cultural review of Skylight, and jumped at the chance to become a Board member to make a difference for tamariki, rangatahi and our mokopuna and support their mental health and wellbeing needs. I am committed to seeing Skylight evolve into a Te Tiriti-based organisation operating across the motu – reaching all our kids in need equitably." Dr Coupe is an experienced researcher and academic with a deep commitment to improving health outcomes through innovative practices. She holds expertise in public health, mental health, and health equity, particularly for marginalised communities and has worked across academic, governmental and the not for profit sectors. Widely published, Nicole has a PhD in Māori Studies and has contributed extensively to studies focusing on indigenous health, health systems and community-based interventions. Next Previous

Brendon Oakley Trustee About me "With my background in leadership, engineering, governance and coaching I wanted to help young people in need. Becoming a Skylight Board member seemed an obvious choice as I had a personal connection to the organisation, a strong desire to use my skills and a passion for the work. It is extremely important that our tamariki and rangatahi get the help and support they need to thrive and succeed, and Skylight is a high-value organisation focused on this. I feel privileged to work with the wonderful staff at Skylight and alongside Board members dedicated to making a collective difference." 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. Brendon holds Masters degrees (Business Administration, Engineering and Management), a Diploma in Defence and Strategic Studies, and a Bachelor of Science amongst other qualifications. Skilled in governance domestically and internationally, Brendon is also skilled in Information Communications Technology and is dedicated to service, including sharing his skills and life experiences with the Skylight Board and staff to improve the mental health and wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. Next Previous

Trauma Browse our articles below. To explore our full collection of resources on other themes, click here . Helping Tamariki and Rangatahi Cope with Natural Disasters How to manage emotional wellbeing during a disaster Read more 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

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 . Legacy giving: By pledging a gift to Skylight Trust in your will, you can create a legacy that lasts long after you've gone. Read more here. Donate today Every donation helps someone find support, hope, and resilience. Frequency One time One time Monthly Monthly Yearly Yearly Amount $20 Covers the cost to send 10 resource packs to whānau facing tough times. Covers the cost to send 10 resource packs to whānau facing tough times. $20 $60 Funds one session of Matika, our programme for tamariki experiencing loss and grief. Funds one session of Matika, our programme for tamariki experiencing loss and grief. $60 $130 Provides a counselling session for someone in distress. Provides a counselling session for someone in distress. $130 Other Other Donate $20

Benjamin Jensen Senior Counselling Coordinator | Kaituitui Whakamāherehere Matua About me In my role at Skylight, I am a counselling coordinator/counsellor. My roles have changed over the last four years. Currently my work involves supporting our counsellors in Awhi Mai Whi Atu schools. I enjoy the various opportunities to support tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau through our programmes, counselling and offering resources. Empowering people to feel equipped to navigate challenging times is the best part of this job. When I am not working or inside playing board games and Dungeons and Dragons I love getting obsessed with topics including history, philosophy and pop culture. Next Previous

Amanda Gregan Director of Operations | Rangatohu Mahi Rangapū About me My role is to ensure the business runs smoothly and sustainably, while seeking growth opportunities across both existing and new areas of operation. I was really drawn to the Mission of Skylight and feel privileged to support the incredible work of this invaluable service, making a meaningful difference in the lives of our young people. I enjoy walking, yoga, and reading when I'm not playing the role of taxi driver for our two very social teenage children. Next Previous

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

Tania Vincent Trustee About me "I’ve always volunteered. Skylight’s mission resonated with me – as a mum supporting kids is very important to me. Too many of our young people are represented in the suicide statistics. I wanted to help. I wanted to be part of something that increased the resilience of young people and built life skills. Skylight’s work with tamariki and rangatahi in their time of need is having an impact and I want to see that impact extended. We are one of the best kept secrets in Aotearoa – given our success we should have a larger national profile." 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. She is currently a Senior Partner at Tregaskis Brown, focusing on business strategy, business transformation, governance, supporting effective investment management decision making and organisational performance. A chartered accountant, Tania has Bachelors degrees in Accounting and History. She has a strong network of people within the public and NGO sectors and proven financial capability, reporting, programme, project management and contract management expertise. Next Previous