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Autism Spectrum Disorder (Takiwātanga) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a difference in how the brain develops and functions. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a difference in how the brain develops and functions. In te ao Māori, it is often described as takiwātanga , meaning “in his or her own time and space,” reflecting that it is an integral part of a person’s identity, shaping how they think, learn, and experience the world. Autism is not a disease, illness, or something to be “cured”, rather, it is a form of neurodiversity that contributes to unique strengths as well as challenges. While ASD varies from person-to-person, some common areas of difference compared to non-autistic people include challenges with: Communication: understanding, using, and interpreting language and social cues Social interaction: making friends, fitting in, and navigating relationships Thinking and processing: approaching problems, interests, and learning Sensory experiences: heightened or reduced sensitivity to sound, light, textures, tastes, or movement Movement and play: engaging in physical activities and hobbies differently Autistic people often have strong interests in particular topics, may repeat certain actions (such as hand-flapping or pacing), and usually prefer predictable routines. Sudden changes, new environments, or sensory overload can be especially difficult. The amount of support needed varies greatly. Some autistic individuals may need minimal assistance in daily life, while others require ongoing help with learning, communication, and everyday activities. Caregivers play an important role in providing understanding, structure, and encouragement so that autistic people can thrive and use their strengths. Useful links: Autism (for Kids) | Nemours KidsHealth Home - Autism NZ ASD / Home - SPECIAL EDUCATION ONLINE Altogether Autism - Trusted Autism Information and Advice Supporting your child if they need extra help with their learning - Ministry of Education About Autism Booklet - Parent to Parent Listening to Families You might also be interested in: ADHD Anxiety 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]

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

Loss of job Losing your job, for any reason, can be as stressful as losing a loved one. Here you can find different ideas to get you through this challenging time. Having a job is, for most people, more than just being able to provide for ourselves and our families. It is a key part of our identity. It is where we usually spend most of our time and it has a unique meaning for each person. A job is also the way in which we contribute to our community and wider society. Our employment is a big part of our self-image and being satisfied with it, has a great impact on our self-esteem and well being. It is safe to say that losing our job is overwhelming and challenging, in a way similar to a relationship breakdown, or an illness. I have lost my job: is it ok to feel like this? No one wishes to be unemployed – unless it is our decision, in which case we would call it a “sabbatical” - but sometimes we have to go through this situation, without expecting it. As with any loss, when we lose our jobs we may feel: Strong waves of feelings: anger, sadness, anxiety, fear Like your goals and/or plans are being frustrated Stress and depression symptoms Changes in our body: increased blood pressure, cholesterol, weight gain or loss, sleep disorders Lack or purpose: we have no place to go every day, it breaks our routine Lonely or socially disconnected: our work environment is a source of support and connection to others. Why is it so different for some people? Grieving after any loss differs from person to person. How big the impact of losing our job would be for us, will depend on different factors. For example: Our support network: Who do we have around us that could help? Our self-esteem: People with a healthy self-esteem and who value themselves beyond their occupation, may feel more in control and may bounce back faster The moment in our life: Are we young and living with our parents? Are we young and living by ourselves? Are we in a relationship with no children, with young children, with older children? Single, but have children or family to support? Are we of a mature age with savings? etc. Each of these situations will present a different challenge for us. What kind of job was it? First job, temporary job, part time and do we have other jobs as well? How satisfied were we with the job? Do we have savings or other sources of income to depend on? What can we do? In any of those cases, it might be useful to come up with a plan to help you build resilience and regain control over the situation. Here are some useful tips: If you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed, look for a mental health professional who can help you deal with your feelings. Talking to someone can be useful Maintain a routine: Get up at a certain time every day, exercise Accept support from friends and family: It doesn’t need to be money, you will be surprised how incredibly useful is to have someone to take the children to the playground, or preparing a meal for the family, or offering to walk your dog. Having help with the little routine tasks will give you time to focus and plan for your next steps Work with someone – A Counsellor, a therapist - this can help you identify your skills that can be useful in a new field, so you can expand your job search Network with professionals in your area: online tools and websites such as Linkedin are useful for this Spend time meeting new people: Taking up volunteer work or joining a community group will help Make a financial plan and prioritise: Be realistic and stick to your budget, and organise your income to include a small amount of “leisure pocket money”. Remember this situation will be temporary, but you need to be money-wise at the same time as being optimistic. Glass half-full Remember you have the option to see the positive in every challenge. For example, during the time between jobs you can: Spend more time with whānau and friends Learn new skills – even up-skill in your field, increasing your chances in the job search See the opportunity to evaluate your life and re-focus Be open to change: you will emerge a different person after this experience Start a savings plan, if you don’t have one. Resources and Support This experience, although it can be distressful and challenging, is not unusual. You are not alone, there are different organisations you can connect with that can support you in different ways: Skylight Counselling and Resources: Support for you and/or your family while you go through the process of leaving your job, being unemployed and finding another job. Citizen Advice Bureau : A free service that helps people know and understand their rights and obligations and how to use the information to get the best outcomes and gives them the confidence and support they need to take action. Work and Income : Access to different benefits you can apply for while looking for another job. New Zealand Now : Once you have full residency, you and your family can access the reassurance of the public welfare system that provides comprehensive support in a range of situations. You might also be interested in: 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]

Request a support pack 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 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. You might also be interested in: Guide for young people Guide for schools Guide for parents and carers Other organisations that can help Contact us

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

Lesley Hoskin Trustee About me “Skylight felt like the right fit for me from the outset. I have a strong connection to its work supporting children’s mental health—both personally, through a friend’s experience, and professionally through my background in education, where the growing need for support is clear. The resilience skills Skylight fosters in tamariki and rangatahi are essential for navigating life. By working with specialist counsellors and facilitators, and focusing on early support for mild to moderate mental health challenges, Skylight fills a critical gap—strengthening individuals and contributing to a more resilient society.” Lesley brings extensive senior executive and governance experience across the public sector, including eight years as Chief Executive of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. Her background spans IT, e-learning, change management and education, enabling her to contribute strong strategic thinking, planning and delivery to the Board. She holds a Diploma in Te Reo Māori, a Master’s in Public Sector Management, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management & Leadership from Oxford University. Next Previous

What is trauma? This webinar is presented by Roni who is a Strategic Interventionist/Relationship Educator and works within a trauma-informed practice. Her expertise covers such topics as attachment, addiction, trauma, emotional intelligence, and raising emotionally healthy children in today's stressful society. You might also be interested in: Grief 101 for Parents Counselling... what is it all about?

Ageing As people age, they commonly face many changes and losses. Grieving for these, and adjusting to new circumstances, can be hard. As people age, they commonly face many changes and losses. Grieving for these, and adjusting to new circumstances, can be hard. Aging is a normal stage of life, with many gains and things to enjoy. However, it brings challenges too. We know that older people face gradual physical changes, but the challenges of aging aren’t only physical. Aging involves a succession of changes and losses, big and small, which can be gradual or sudden. Consequently, older people continually need to adjust. It can feel like they have less and less control over how they want things to be. What’s been lost, can be hard to come to terms with. Such losses naturally affect how people see themselves and their lives, as well as their levels of self-confidence, mood and outlook, overall well-being, and sense of future. Common losses include: The end of employed work after retirement or job loss. This can also mean a changed daily routine, not seeing workmates as before, and needing a new sense of purpose. Financial changes . For most, income levels will decrease when work finishes. Financial worries may increase, with limited dollars to fund current and future needs. Changes in one’s physical body and health . Health challenges typically increase with age. As the physical body ages, people commonly begin to encounter changes in abilities such as eyesight, hearing, balance, continence, or mobility. Loss of memory . It becomes harder to remember things, even if the information is important. This can be very frustrating. Dementia can complicate this further. Loss of independence . A new reliance on others to assist with daily life, and not always being able to do what they want, when they want, how they want. People may need to stop driving. They may need others for the most personal care and hygiene routines. Loss of familiar surroundings. People might need to move away from a home they have lived in for a long time, or from one they do not want to leave. They may also need to give away personal possessions they’re unable to keep. Loss of friends and family . There can be changes in the circle of friends and family. Others may now live at a distance and visit less, or older friends may become ill themselves and unable to keep in touch, and perhaps loved ones may die. Also, older people can become socially isolated if they are less able to join in with life as before. Loss of respect . After years of contributing to family, whānau, and community, as well as being employers or employees, older people can feel side-lined, without status, and less respected. What can help? People respond in individual ways to life challenges. To be in a good position to deal with whatever comes with aging, it can help to: draw on your internal resilience (what attitudes and coping strategies have worked well for you before?) be willing to try new ways of doing things and problem-solve as positively as possible honestly acknowledge challenges and losses, so they can be faced make time to grieve losses in your own way – grief is a normal healing process that can help you gradually adjust to changes communicate how you’re thinking and feeling, and what you’re needing – find someone you trust to talk to when things feel hard or overwhelming, such as your GP, a good friend, a caregiver, a Counsellor, or perhaps call a helpline express and release what’s building up inside (e.g. talk, cry, share memory stories, write down troubling thoughts and feelings, or play music that reflects your mood, walk it out) look after yourself well every day, paying attention to getting some exercise, good rest, and having a nutritious diet keep connected with others – make time to be social and keep in touch with friends and family often use your sense of humour and spend time with those who laugh and have fun do enjoyable things and go to enjoyable places that lift your spirit ask a friend to support you at events or appointments that are stressful for you use your abilities and strengths, whatever age you are, to contribute to things and give you a sense of achievement do things that are meaningful for you or have a sense of purpose find some ways to support others who are finding things challenging too remember the good things life has taught you and brought you ask for help when you need it see a GP about any health or mental health concerns. You might also be interested in: 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]

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

Depression Depression is a common illness and needs to be taken seriously. It affects how you feel, the way you think, and the way you act. Depression is more than just feeling a bit down. Feeling stressed, irritable, sad, angry, hopeless, or empty happens to all of us, sometimes. Depression is getting stuck in those feelings, and it doesn't seem like they're going away. They get in the way of daily functioning, relating to people or thinking clearly. People find it hard to talk about feeling low or depressed. There is still a stigma attached to mental illness of any kind. A person may be depressed if they: feel sad or down for a long time - weeks or months don't care about things they used to enjoy sleep a lot or not enough lose or gain weight, or have a different appetite for food can't concentrate feel tired or low in energy feel empty or lonely have unexplained aches and pains, pounding heart or stomach cramps feel guilty, worthless, or hopeless about the future are angrier or more hostile than usual use drugs and alcohol to cope with their feelings harm or hurt themselves on purpose talk about suicide or say they want to die. It is important to find the right help. Depression can be treated. For mild depression, self-help strategies like regular exercise, mindfulness, good sleep, can be helpful. For more severe depression, see your GP who can help you decide about medication, counselling and/or psychological therapy. Helpful youth websites include: SPARX  which is a free online therapy that helps young people learn skills to deal with feeling down, depressed, or stressed and The Lowdown For further information see attachments and links . Common Ground - The Mental Wealth Project Depression | Mental Health Foundation Home | Depression and Anxiety | Depression and Anxiety | Welcome to a Brand New Day You might also be interested in: Anxiety Bereavement Loss of health 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]

Our supporters We want to say a huge thank you to all of our funders and supporters. Your support means Skylight can deliver the right help at the right time in the right way. Many thanks to our partners and supporters: Ministry of Education Ministry of Justice Oranga Tamariki Te Whatu Ora Lottery Grants Board & COGS - Community Organisations Grants Scheme Dentons B UPA The Good Registry A NZ Staff Foundation H aven Falls Harbour City Funeral Home F reshChoice Cuba Street New World Wellington City Skylight receives a percentage of our supporters total sale through their community sponsorship scheme. All you need to do is have your receipt stamped at the customer service desk and put it into the Skylight collection box. If you need the original receipt, you can ask for a duplicate copy at the time of purchase. And to all of the individuals who donate, thank you! You might also be interested in: Our impact Our story Advocacy Our partners

Kathryn Ross CEO About me After more than 30 years in local and central government in a variety of roles. I joined Skylight because of its mission and values. I love the for-purpose sector and I’m very proud to lead the team. I am committed to improving the lives of tamariki and rangatahi across the motu, empowering our people and the equitable achievement of hauora. I’m very lucky to have a loving (and patient) husband and two wonderful children. Away from the office, I enjoy catching up with whānau and friends, spending time in nature, great coffee, pinot and travel. Next Previous