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Sound Bridge Sound Bridge is a music therapy group for young people aged 12–18 who want to play, jam, and create music together. Sound Bridge: Music Therapy Group for Young Musicians What is Sound Bridge? Sound Bridge is a music therapy group designed for young people aged 12–18 who want to play, jam, and create music alongside peers. It’s a safe, supportive space to explore music, connection, and identity, facilitated by Skylight's music therapist Anthony Manere. Why join? Active music-making : Collaborate through playing, improvisation, and songwriting. Peer support : Connect with others in a validating safe environment. Identity development : Use music to explore self-expression, build confidence, and find your voice. Emotional wellbeing : Evidence shows that music therapy can boost mood, reduce stress, and support mental health long-term. Who is it for? Young people aged 12–18 who already identify as musicians (e.g., instrumentalists, singers, producers). When and where? The group takes place in the Skylight office in Wellington and runs for 8-9 weeks. Why refer a young person? Group music therapy is a low-risk, evidence-based way to support youth mental health while strengthening their musical identity. Participants gain confidence, emotional regulation skills, and supportive peer relationships — all while doing what they love: making music. How to register interest If you know a young person who would benefit, or would like more information please email: [email protected] Include: Participant's name Age Contact phone number You might also be interested in: Matika Parenting Through Separation Waves

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

Matty - Resilience Web Series Here’s Matty in our resilience web series. Matty explains how surrounding himself with friends and family made him a happier person. Finding people with similar goals as you allows you to work together and push each other. Matty makes the connection between physical wellbeing and resiliency. You might also be interested in: Trevney shares his story 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

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: Bullying Trauma If you are feeling suicidal How to build resilience Delayed grief Subscribe to our newsletter Looking for more support? Get insights, tools, and stories from Skylight — and a free guide to help you get started. 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]

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. One of the biggest challenges of any illness or disability is coping with the changes, losses and grief that they can bring with them. What can help? A loss of health, mental health, and/or physical abilities may be gradual or sudden. What might happen next is often very uncertain. An unwell person must adjust to both physical changes and their consequences. Everyday life can become quite different. There can be all kinds of losses to adjust to. A person may lose: their old self – how they used to be (identity) their sense of control over their body or mind independence the ability to keep up regular, everyday routines, to do familiar tasks, or be in usual roles mobility the ability to drive employment and previous income, career plans opportunities to do things they’d anticipated or planned – their dreams ready access to friends, family, whānau and community previously enjoyed confidence – in themselves, in the future self-esteem privacy and dignity familiar surroundings, if a move from home is needed The grief that naturally follows such significant and life-altering losses, can take considerable time to process. Grief can start at diagnosis, but with daily reminders and frustrations about what’s been lost, or with new health issues arising or crises happening, people can feel they are in a continuous cycle of loss and grief. Despite this, sometimes their grief can go unrecognised or unacknowledged by others, who don’t realise the huge impact that a change in health can have. What can help? Any kind of loss needs acknowledging and grieving. Make time to grieve honestly for what has changed and been lost. Do it in your way. Grief is a process that helps people adjust gradually to what’s happened. There will be good days and not so good days. Be kind to yourself Express yourself. Maybe write thoughts and feelings down, use music, have conversations, get creative, cry, yell… everyone is different, but grief can bring strong, deep feelings and releasing them can be a relief Talking can help. Find someone trusted to talk to about what you’re dealing with. Perhaps a close family member or friend, a Counsellor, a doctor or health support worker, or others who have 'been there’ and know what it’s really like Use whatever stress-busting activities that have helped before, to manage stress and be willing to try some new ideas Ask for help if you need it and use all the support that’s available Keep connected with others and avoid becoming isolated. Reach out with visits or by phone, email, messaging, video chat, or even letters Your outlook matters. A positive attitude can help you look for solutions and give things a go Gratitude can help you notice the good things, in the middle of big challenges Optimism can help you find some hope Use your sense of humour and spend time with those who like to laugh and have fun Give yourself a break. Distract yourself sometimes with things you still enjoy doing Keep up routines if that helps you feel more settled Look after yourself well, every day. Get the basics right, like exercise, good sleep, and regular meals Find some extra support if you are struggling with depression or dark thoughts. You don’t need to go through this on your own. Connect with a doctor, Counsellor, support person, support group, or a helpline. You might also be interested in: Depression How to build resilience Ageing Delayed grief Subscribe to our newsletter Looking for more support? Get insights, tools, and stories from Skylight — and a free guide to help you get started. 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]

Help your child navigate grief and change. Get Skylight’s free “Change and Loss” guide with tools, activities, and resources for parents and caregivers. Help your child through grief and loss A free guide for parents and whānau supporting tamariki and rangatahi through grief, loss, and life’s big changes. Get the free guide When life shifts — a family separation, moving schools, the loss of a loved one, or sudden illness — tamariki and rangatahi can feel overwhelmed. As a parent or caregiver, you might wonder: What should I say? How do I help them cope? What if I say the wrong thing? You don’t have to figure it out alone. For over 25 years, Skylight Trust has been supporting whānau through life’s toughest changes. That’s why we created this free eBook: Change and Loss – practical guidance to support your child when life feels uncertain. Download now — it’s free Understand feelings Learn what children need most during grief and change Creative activities 22 ideas to help tamariki express and release emotions Find strength Build resilience, hope, and connection as a whānau What's inside the guide? Tips for talking about difficult topics — gentle ways to start conversations, what words to use (and avoid), and how to answer tricky questions honestly Common reactions in children and teens — from emotional outbursts to withdrawal, and how to respond with patience and aroha Tools for calming anxiety — including deep belly breathing, grounding exercises, and other simple practices that make a real difference Creative activities for support — 22 ideas for helping children express themselves through art, storytelling, movement, and rituals When to seek more support — signs that your child may need extra help from a counsellor or professional This booklet is designed to be practical, easy to use, and something you can return to again and again. I want the free guide About Skylight Skylight Trust is a national not-for-profit that specialises in helping tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau navigate tough times. We provide counselling (in person and online), group programmes, resources, and training for professionals. We believe no one should face grief, loss, or change alone . This guide is just one way we share that support. 24k+ Hours of therapy each year 400+ Families supported per month 130+ Schools running our programmes What support do children need most? Every child responds to change and loss in their own way, but there are some things they almost always need from the adults around them. Here are a few of the essentials: Reassurance – Children need to know they are loved, safe, and not to blame for what has happened. Honesty – Clear, age-appropriate explanations help reduce confusion and fear. Listening ears – Space to share feelings and ask questions without judgement. Routine and stability – Keeping familiar patterns helps children feel grounded when everything else feels uncertain. Patience and understanding – Reactions like anger, tears, or withdrawal are normal. They need time and gentle guidance. The full guide explains these needs in more detail and offers practical tools and language you can use to support tamariki and rangatahi through tough times. Help me support my child Jacob School Counsellor "Through counselling [the child] has been able to acknowledge their fear and connect with joy, family and the other protective elements in life." Glenda Facilitator "Creative activities gave the girls space to express themselves in ways that felt safe and empowering, often opening conversations that may not have happened otherwise." Noel Student "It’s different now. Before I went to Travellers I didn’t really get along with my friends. N ow I speak up to them and I’m not invisible anymore." Practical activities to support your child The Change and Loss guide includes 22 creative activity ideas that parents and whānau can use at home to help tamariki and rangatahi express their feelings and build resilience. These activities are simple, meaningful, and easy to adapt for different ages. Here are a few examples: My Wall of Hearts – Draw or cut out hearts and write the names of people who love and care for your child. Display them on the wall as a daily reminder of support. Make Whānau Handprints – Trace each person’s hand or fingerprint and display them together. A powerful reminder that everyone grieves differently, but you’re all in it together. Storytelling – Share whānau stories, both old and new. Encourage children to add their own tales, helping them see strength and connection through difficult times. Music for Comfort – Help your child create a playlist of songs that soothe or uplift them. Singing and music can sometimes express what words can’t. The full guide contains all 22 activities, along with tips for when and how to use them. Send me the guide Here’s how we’ll support you after you sign up Your free guide, instantly The Change and Loss booklet will arrive straight to your inbox — ready to use whenever you need it. Helpful emails, step by step Over the next few weeks, we’ll send you short, practical emails with tips, stories, and resources to support you and your whānau. Webinars and more resources You’ll also get invitations to free webinars and updates on new tools as they become available. You’re free to unsubscribe any time — but we hope you’ll find value in staying connected with us. Get my free guide Our funders and supporters Support your child — download the free guide We’ll send you the Change and Loss guide straight away, and follow up with more short, helpful emails. You can unsubscribe any time. First name* Email address* Yes, I want the free guide and email support series * Get my free guide 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]

Amanda Gregan Director of Operations | Kaiwhakahaere Matua – 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 Programmes – Psychology Lead | Kaiārahi Mātai Hinengaro – Kaupapa Pāpori 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

Brittany shares their story This webisode features Brittany sharing their story of how they have 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 they talk about suicide. You might also be interested in: Trevney shares his story 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

Request counselling at Skylight — book support for yourself, tamariki or whānau. Safe, inclusive therapy tailored to your needs, online or in-person. Request counselling For appointment inquiries and bookings, please complete the form below. For more information about our counselling, click here . The waitlist for subsidised counselling sessions is now closed until July. Please submit an enquiry form in July for subsidised counselling sessions. In a crisis, call MHAIDS on 0800 745 477. Referral is for... Myself My child A student Someone I'm supporting Your details: First name Last name Email* Phone Their details: Their name Date of birth Gender Ethnicity Address Secondary contact: Please provide details for somebody else in case of emergencies. Name Email Address Context Description of the situation and reason for counselling, including physical, emotional and psychological impacts present* Do the symptoms relate to a mental health condition? Yes No Please provide details (formally diagnosed, recommended treatment - completed, abandoned or ongoing – etc) Do the symptoms relate to past traumatic experiences? Yes No If yes, please provide details (since when, protective factors and triggers, past engagement with support due to this and what happened - completed, abandoned or ongoing – etc) Is the person wanting counselling presenting with increased risk of suicide? Yes No Please provide details (suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, support network, safety plan) Special requirements of the person wanting counselling e.g., gender of counsellor, location for counselling, diverse needs (cultural – Māori, Pasifika, immigrant; LGBTQ+) Skylight offers therapy across four locations in Wellington, Porirua, Hutt Valley and Kapiti. Please specify which location you prefer: Wellington Porirua Hutt Valley Kapiti Online (aged 12+ only) Skylight offers music therapy, creative arts therapy and talk therapy. Please choose which therapies suit your needs best.* No preference (first available counsellor) Music Therapy Creative Arts Therapy Talk Therapy Funding type* Would you be open to working with a student counsellor? Yes No Our student counsellors are in the final stages of their training and work under professional supervision. Sessions are available at no cost. Many clients find this a rewarding and supportive experience. If you would like to make a donation, please see "donate now" on our front page. Keep me updated with Skylight news and resources. Unsubscribe at any time. Submit By completing this form, you consent to Skylight Trust collecting your contact details and using them to get in touch with you about the services we provide and to share relevant updates from Skylight. You can ask us to stop contacting you at any time. We take our role as kaitiaki of your personal information seriously. If you have any questions or concerns about how your information is handled, or if you would like to access or correct your information, please contact our Privacy Officer at [email protected] . 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

Bullying Bullying is the term used when a child or group of children keep taking advantage of the power they have, to hurt or reject someone else. Some of the ways children bully another child, include: calling them names, saying, or writing nasty comments about them, leaving them out of activities, not talking to them, threatening them, making them feel uncomfortable or scared, stealing or damaging their things, hitting or kicking them, or making them do things they don't want to do. An increasing form of bullying, known as cyber-bullying, can include emails, texts, phone calls and social media websites and can persist 24 hours a day. Why is bullying harmful? Some people think bullying is just part of growing up and a way for children to learn to stick up for themselves. But bullying has serious consequences - it can make children feel lonely, unhappy, frightened, unsafe and think that there must be something wrong with them. Signs that might indicate your child is being bullied include tummy aches, nightmares, reluctance to go to school and loss of confidence. They may lose contact with friends and seem isolated. Why do some children bully? There are a lot of reasons why children bully. They may see it as a way of being popular, showing off, or making themselves look tough. Some children bully to get attention, and some just like making other people feel afraid of them. They may not even realise that what they are doing is wrong and how it makes their victims feel. Why are some children bullied? Some children and young people are bullied for no particular reason, but usually it's because they are different in some way - perhaps it's the colour of their skin, the way they talk, their sexuality, their size or their name. Sometimes, young people are bullied because they look like they won't stand up for themselves. What can I do if my child is being bullied? If your child is being bullied, listen to what they are saying and be supportive. It is important to make it clear it isn't their fault. Ask your child how they have been dealing with the bullying, talk about what else can be done and what action you can both take, to solve the problem. You could help your child develop a plan to deal with bullying, including how to get help. Encourage your child to always tell an adult they can trust. Explain to them this isn't telling tales. They have a right to be safe. If your child is different in some way, help them to be proud of it. A confident child is less likely to be bullied and will also be better able to deal, with any bullying which occurs. What can I do if my child bullies others? If you discover that your child is bullying other children, stay calm. Try to find out how and why they have been behaving in this way. Explain to your child that bullying is wrong and try to get your child to understand what it's like for their victim. Tell your children that they should never join in when someone else is being bullied and that they should always try to help another child being bullied; for example, by reporting it. Tell them that by doing nothing to stop bullying, means that they're saying it's okay. Useful links: Cyberbullying | Bullying Free NZ No bully website | New Zealand Police Bullying: help and support for your child - Ministry of Education Responding to bullying - how can I support my child? | Bullying Free NZ Netsafe New Zealand's online safety organisation | Netsafe Ex-Bullies Speak Out: What Made Them Stop — And What Parents Should Know - Kiwi Families You might also be interested in: Abusive relationships Parenting Subscribe to our newsletter Looking for more support? Get insights, tools, and stories from Skylight — and a free guide to help you get started. 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]

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?