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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 Yellow Brick Road supports families impacted by mental illness Not My Kid - for parents about a variety of mental health issues in kids and teens 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

McKay - Resilience Web Series Introducing McKay in our resilience web series. McKay tells us how resilience isn’t about being hard, it’s about letting things go and not letting things impact you that much. He says that you need to have hope, take care of yourself and to surround yourself with good people. You might also be interested in: Trevney shares his story Matty - Resilience Web Series 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

Matika An eight week programme to support tamariki through loss and grief. About Matika Matika is a supportive, therapeutic programme created especially for tamariki aged 6–12 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Designed with a resilience-building and trauma-informed approach, Matika helps tamariki understand, express, and process their grief in a safe, nurturing environment. Matika is an eight-week programme, run once a week during the school term. Each session blends therapeutic and psychoeducational activities, using art, play, discussion, and connection to help tamariki make sense of their loss and find healthy ways to move forward. The programme is closed-group, meaning the same small group of children attend each week — allowing for deep trust, safety, and individualised attention. We welcome up to nine children per programme to ensure each child receives the care and support they need. Tamariki can be referred by a counsellor, school, GP, or self-referred by their whānau. How Matika Works Each session is co-facilitated by two trained, experienced counsellors (our Matika buddies), with support from an intern counsellor or psychology graduate. Activities are designed to: Encourage expression through creative play and art Teach tamariki to name and understand their feelings Build emotional awareness and regulation skills Foster a sense of connection and belonging Help tamariki discover their inner strengths and resilience After completing the eight-week programme, tamariki will: Understand how grief and loss happen differently to each person, but they are experienced by all. Feel connected to their loved ones who have passed. Be able to identify their feelings and emotions, validating them and expressing them in a healthy way. Have a range of practical ideas for managing difficult feelings. Be able to tap into their internal or external resources when experiencing challenging times. Be able to ask for help or support from their whānau Build stronger bonds with whānau and others who support them Upcoming dates Term 4 2025: Wellington Term 1 2026: Lower Hutt Term 2 2026: Wellington Term 3 2026: Porirua Term 4 2026: Kapiti Contact us today to learn more or register your interest ([email protected] ). We are here to help. You might also be interested in: Sound Bridge Travellers Tai-oranga Matika Pathfinders Heart Song Awhi Mai Awhi Atu Parenting Through Separation

Vonnie Marshall Counselling Team Leader | Kaitaki Kapa Whakamāherehere About me I was born in Whanganui-a-Tara and lived in Nelson, where we raised three children. After being a registered nurse for many years, I moved into social work roles, and it was there that I first heard about Skylight. My role is Counselling Team Leader, and I manage the Awhi Mai Awhi Atu counselling in schools programme. I am interested in the elements that make a good (empathetic, innovative, trusted, “human”) leader. I have had many opportunities to learn from roles within the Government and Charity sectors as well as voluntary group facilitation roles. Next Previous

Contact us Connect with us New Zealand 0800 299 100 or +64 4 939 6767 Email [email protected] Street Address Level 3, 39 Webb Street Te Aro Wellington 6011 Postal Address PO Box 9771, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 New Zealand. Office Hours Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm Counselling appointment times can be made outside of these hours. Christmas | New Year The Skylight office will be closed from 24 December 2025 until 8th January 2026. Support packs We can provide support packs for specific situations – just ask us for what you need. You can request a support pack by: completing the contact us form at the bottom of this page, including a brief description of the situation you would like some support for, or phoning us on 0800 299 100, 9am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. All the information you provide will be kept confidential. Please add the ages of any children or teens impacted by the event. If it is a bereavement, please give us the relationship of the person who has died, to any child/children. If we need any extra details we will contact you. Feedback Tell us what you think: suggestions, complaints, and compliments. We value your feedback – good and bad – and are committed to responding to you and working with you to resolve concerns you might have. The easiest way to sort out a problem is to complete the form at the bottom of this page, or email [email protected] Making a complaint What can you complain about? ( PDF download ) A complaint can be made about any service provided by Skylight. We also accept complaints about any of our contracted providers. Anyone can make a complaint about the care or service they have received. Complaints can also be made by another person on your behalf, such as a relative, friend, parent or consumer advocate. We may need consent to respond to complaints about someone else. National helplines If you, or someone you know, is feeling suicidal or in a life threatening situation please call 111. 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor. Anxiety New Zealand Call 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) Depression.org.nz Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Kidsline Call 0800 54 37 54 (for people up to 18 years old). Open 24/7. Lifeline Call 0800 543 354 Mental Health Foundation Call 09 623 4812 to access its free resource and information service. Rural Support Trust Call 0800 787 254 Samaritans Call 0800 726 666 Suicide Crisis Helpline Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) Yellow Brick Road Call 0800 732 825 thelowdown.co.nz Web chat, email chat or free text 5626 What's Up Call 0800 942 8787 (for 5 to 18-year-olds). Phone counselling: Mon–Fri 12pm–11pm, Weekends 3pm–11pm Online chat: 3pm–10pm daily Youthline Call 0800 376 633 , free text 234 , email [email protected] , or find online chat and other support options here. You might also be interested in: Professional development opportunities Skylight's child protection policy Privacy policy Work with us Organise your own fundraising event Fundraising ideas Get involved

Maddie Barrett Social Media Coordinator | Kaituitui Pae Pāpori About me 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. I recently completed my degree in Psychology at Otago, and are currently working on a Masters by thesis in Psychology at Victoria University. In my spare time I like to stay busy by volunteering, visiting op-shops, and enjoying time with friends and whanau. I work at Skylight because I am passionate about helping young people in evidence-based, positively-affirming ways. My aim is to register as a Psychologist and continue to help tamariki and rangitahi in Aotearoa. Next Previous

Jahnya shares her story This webisode features Jahnya sharing her story of how she has survived suicide or lost a friend or whānau member to suicide – it is for rangatahi by rangatahi. The personal experiences shared in the following video may be disturbing for some viewers as she talks about suicide. You might also be interested in: Journeys Through Methamphetamine Addiction Matty - Resilience Web Series 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

Good Mood and Food This session will guide students from years 7, 8 and 9 (11-13 years old), through an informative session on the mind and body connection in relation to our food choices, how we process our thoughts and the importance of movement. You might also be interested in: The Power of Journaling Is a Worry Worrying You?

Parenting through Grief This resource was developed for parents who are supporting their child living with cancer, or who have lost a child to cancer. You might also be interested in: Practical Strategies for Self-Care and Resilience Grief 101 for Parents

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

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 locations Explore the map to see all the schools and communities where our programmes are running. Click on the top-left icon to filter by programme. 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 tamariki and rangatahi aged 5 - 24 years 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 Vonnie Marshall Counselling Team Leader | Kaitaki Kapa Whakamāherehere Te Ataahia Hurihanganui Pou Ārahi | Cultural Advisor Jenny Devine Clinical Advisor | Kaiwhirinaki Haumanu 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 2024 - 2025 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 Work with us Read more Organise your own fundraising event Read more Fundraising ideas Read more Get involved Read more

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