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Bupa Logo In an exciting development for the wellbeing of our tamariki, our Tai-oranga programme has secured essential funding from Bupa to continue its impactful work through this year and into 2026! This milestone is a testament to the programme’s success in schools, as it equips children with the tools they need to flourish emotionally, mentally, and physically. Tai-oranga isn't just another school initiative; it's an engaging, hands-on program designed to involve tamariki in their own wellbeing journey. By embracing the principles of Te Whare Tapa Whā and incorporating elements of positive psychology, Tai-oranga empowers children to take charge of their health and happiness, ensuring they have a voice in their own lives. What is Tai-oranga? Tai-oranga Poster Tai-oranga is a school-based wellbeing programme aimed at empowering tamariki with essential knowledge and skills to care for their minds, bodies, and emotions. Rooted in the holistic model of Te Whare Tapa Whā, it emphasises the significance of mental, physical, social, and spiritual health. Through dynamic activities and immersive lessons, children explore resilience, emotional literacy, and the benefits of maintaining a well-balanced life. During the 4-hour program, they may engage in mindfulness exercises, craft resilience-building strategies, or participate in group discussions about emotional experiences—all of which serve as important life skills. The Importance of Wellbeing in Schools In a rapidly changing world, prioritising the mental and emotional wellbeing of children is crucial. Schools have become environments where children cultivate social skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Tai-oranga meets this need by offering a flexible framework that schools can easily adopt. The programme's interactive and participatory approach ensures that children are not only receiving information but actively engaging with it. Research shows that students who are more involved in their learning tend to perform better academically and socially—this has a positive ripple effect throughout their lives. Children participating in a Tai-oranga wellbeing activity Celebrating Progress The funding victory for Tai-oranga is not simply a win for the programme; it’s something that we can be ultra proud of, knowing that there are tamariki who will reap its rewards. By equipping children with the skills to prioritise their wellbeing, Tai-oranga paves the way for happier and more resilient tamariki and rangitahi. As we applaud this accomplishment, it’s essential to continue supporting initiatives that emphasise the mental and emotional health of our children. Head to our donations page if you want to support this mahi as well. Together, we can create a nurturing environment where tamariki can thrive, learn, and develop into confident, resilient individuals. Ka rawe!

Looking for practical tools to support your wellbeing or someone else’s? Skylight has a wide range of trusted resources designed to help with mental health, resilience, and coping with life’s challenges. Whether you’re navigating stress, supporting a loved one, or just wanting to better understand how to look after your hauora, you’ll find articles, guides, and helpful tips to point you in the right direction. You can explore our mental health resources here: It’s a great place to start if you want to learn more, find encouragement, or share support with others. We know that every little step towards wellbeing counts, and these resources are here to make that journey a little easier. If you require additional support or feel uncertain about how to proceed, please contact our friendly counselling team to schedule an appointment. We provide talk therapy, arts therapy, and music therapy - offered for tamariki and rangitahi aged 5 years - 24 years.

Anxiety is a natural, though often uncomfortable, feeling of worry, nervousness, or fear when we face situations we cannot fully control. It is part of our body’s way of helping us prepare for challenges. Before a stressful event, like an exam, a job interview, or meeting new people, you might notice your heart beating faster, your breathing quickening, and your mind racing. This is your body getting ready to respond to what it perceives as a challenge or threat. Sometimes the “threat” is obvious, such as presenting in front of a group of people. Other times, it is more subtle; for example, attending a social gathering might feel like a big test of how you’ll be perceived, bringing on the same physical responses. In the short term, anxiety can affect sleep, appetite, and concentration. Once the situation passes, the anxiety usually fades. The “What If?” Loop Anxiety often comes with a stream of “what if?” thoughts, such as: What if I fail? What if they do not like me? What if something goes wrong? It can be triggered by new experiences such as starting a new school, moving to a different neighbourhood, or even watching a scary movie. Anxiety is a normal human response. What is anxiety telling us? Anxiety is important because it is part of our body’s built-in warning and preparation system. At its core, anxiety is trying to communicate: “Something might threaten your safety or well-being.” It alerts us to potential danger or challenge, whether physical (a fast-approaching car) or social (a difficult conversation). “You may need to prepare or act.” Anxiety boosts alertness, sharpens focus, and mobilises energy so we can respond more effectively. “Pay attention to this.” It highlights situations, decisions, or uncertainties that matter to us. In a healthy range, anxiety is protective. It helps us avoid harm, prepare for important events, and adapt to change.  When Anxiety Becomes a Disorder It becomes unhelpful when the alarm keeps ringing too loudly, too often, or in situations that are not actually dangerous. Then it can stop us from thinking clearly, taking action, or living the life we want. Anxiety becomes a concern when it: Happens without a clear cause Continues long after the trigger is gone Feels out of proportion to the situation Stops someone from doing everyday activities or things they enjoy Anxiety disorders involve intense, overwhelming fear that can be triggered by specific things, such as spiders, heights, or dogs, or by more general situations, such as public speaking, illness, or loss. Types of Anxiety Disorders Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) : Ongoing worry about many everyday things, with a sense of being unable to control the worry. This constant anxiety often affects sleep, concentration, and overall wellbeing. Social Anxiety: Intense fear of embarrassment or judgment in social situations, leading to avoidance. This can significantly impact relationships, education, and participation in everyday activities. Separation Anxiety : Experiencing intense distress when apart from loved ones, most commonly seen in children separated from parents or caregivers. The reaction is greater than expected for the person’s age and can interfere with daily activities, such as attending school or visiting friends. Phobias: Extreme, irrational fear of a specific object or situation, for example, birds, water, or heights. This fear can lead to avoidance behaviours that interfere with daily life. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Intrusive thoughts, obsessions and/or ritualistic behaviours, or compulsions that causes extreme anxiety. These behaviours are often repeated to reduce distress, even when the person recognises they are excessive. Common Signs and Symptoms Feeling like something bad is about to happen. Shaking, sweating, dizziness, or vertigo. Stomach aches, headaches, or chest pain. Feeling out of control and unable to think clearly. Avoiding situations or objects that trigger fear . Panic Attacks A panic attack is an extreme version of the body’s fear response. Symptoms can include: Rapid heartbeat Shortness of breath Sweating and nausea Dizziness Fear of losing control or dying These episodes usually peak within 10 minutes and fade within about 30 minutes, but can feel exhausting. To cope, people often avoid situations linked to past panic attacks. If you experience a panic attack: Stop what you are doing and, if possible, tell someone nearby. Focus on your breathing and try grounding techniques until you feel calmer. If you feel you might harm yourself or others, call 111 immediately . Grounding technique example: Look around you, while you breathe as calmly as you can, and notice: 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell , and 1 thing you can taste. Repeat if needed. How to Support Someone Who Is Anxious It can be hard to know what to do or how to support someone who experiences anxiety. Any support will be appreciated, but if in doubt, start with these tips. Anxiety is not irrational; it is a protection system that has become overactive. Acknowledge and validate what they are feeling rather than dismissing it. Face it together. Offer reassurance and stay calm, rather than trying to “rescue” or minimise their feelings. Teach coping skills in calm moments. Breathing and grounding techniques work best when introduced before anxiety strikes. Staying calm matters. A steady, supportive presence helps them feel safe enough to practice courage. Getting Help Anxiety disorders can often be treated effectively with therapy, lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and in some cases, medication. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent or severe anxiety, reach out to a GP, counsellor, or mental health professional for support. You can also check out these great resources to find out more about anxiety: Anxiety In Children | KidsHealth New Zealand's Trusted Voice On Children's Health Anxiety In Children | School Age | Kidspot NZ Anxiety | Mental Health Foundation Dealing with Anxiety in Children & Teens - Hey Sigmund Obsessive compulsive disorder | Mental Health Foundation Listening to Families

Diary of a CE: Day 2 at Whakamanawa - the National Social Services Conference Skylight's CE, Kathryn Ross, attended the Whakamanawa Conference in Rotorua last week. Run by Social Service Providers Aotearoa,   Here's the scoop on Day 2: George Ngatai Two perspectives on sustainable funding were shared: one from Holly Snape on rebuilding an organisation, and another from George Ngatai on the Whānau Ora Community Clinic's journey from a community health hub to multiple clinics and thriving businesses, including banks. Although their stories differ greatly, both highlight a strong focus on what is crucial for achieving financial sustainability. After that, I attended the session on Kia ora Ake, which was an excellent presentation led by outstanding kaimahi who were clearly dedicated to the kaupapa and inspiring in their passion. It made me realise that every school and kura should have the advantages of Awhi Mai Awhi Atu and Mana Ake / Kia ora Ake. Emma Powell Following that, the Chief Executive of The Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention, Emma Powell, discussed the Challenges and Barriers to System Changes, the New Action Plan, and its 7 strategic priorities. Their current focus is on Ensuring Safety and Preventing Violence. Such fantastic mahi! Panel – Dr Claire Achmad and rangatahi: Maya Blackman, Tyler Paul, Justin Murphy It was a great discussion (possibly my favourite talk!) about the significance of incorporating young people's voices in decision-making, the challenge of representing a vast number of youths, and the limited opportunities available. It resonated with me that all decisions made by central and local government are decisions for the younger generation – they are the ones who must live with these decisions. Instead of misapplying youth input, empower young people to realise their aspirations. Today's youth are vastly different from those 20 years ago. My major takeaways; Invest in future leaders now – they are already leaders today. Avoid miscommunication. Include young people at the decision-making tables.   The conversations about Te Tiriti, Te Reo, and cultural diversity were super engaging. There was a demand for increased education on Te Tiriti in schools, reflections on the significance of Māori as the indigenous people and their culture for Rotorua and the nation, a wish to progress rather than regress, and the importance of opportunities to speak Māori and learn in te reo Māori. This message aligns with us here at Skylight!   Finally, I quickly jotted down some of the most impactful messages from the end of the conference. Starting with youth engagement: Important to directly engage with young people. Relationships and connections engage young people. Have young people on governance, particularly if the mahi is about young people.  Young people want to be seen, valued and heard. Promote yourself in places where rangatahi are. Make yourself known. Remove the stigma. Emphasise the genuine care you bring to the role. Authenticity matters. Wow...   Wero (challenge) – take one lesson away and implement it. What they seek from us – what would provide them and other rangatahi with hope. Policy makers and advisors should connect with young people Make mokopuna decisions – focus on the long term Be courageous – share your knowledge, engage with young people, trust them, and have faith in them – they are capable, they are the leaders of today and tomorrow   What would enable rangatahi to flourish: a message for us and other youth-focused organisations Structural change that ensures the meaningful involvement of rangatahi – not just token gestures. A stable education system free of obstacles Community support, relationships, and active engagement Mental health support readily accessible   What an uplifting end to the conference, and the haka performed by Mana Mokupuna was equally moving. I'll be eagerly waiting for next year!

Kia ora koutou katoa, Mental Health Awareness Week is approaching, taking place from the 6th to the 12th of October 2025. And although we are a mental health organisation that celebrates mental health every week, we love and support the MHAW campaign and the mahi to raise awareness about mental health and mental wellbeing! This year's theme is Top Up Together , encouraging you to connect with others as you bring the Five Ways to Wellbeing into your daily life. The most important aspect of this campaign is the community-based approach, focusing on connection, which delivers the most robust benefits to overall wellbeing. The Five Ways to Wellbeing were created as a result of the New Economics Foundation's (NEF) Foresight Project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing research report. Five Ways to Wellbeing poster This week, Skylight staff are embracing the theme of Five Ways to Wellbeing with a mix of fun, connection, and self-care. We’ll kick things off on Monday with a Coffee and Quiz session – a chance to connect, kōrero, and share a few laughs together. On Tuesday , it’s all about giving, so we’ll come together for a shared morning tea, where everyone brings something small to share, along with their time and presence. Midweek, on Wednesday , we’ll pause to take notice with a guided meditation led by our colleague Elliot – a moment to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the simple things that bring us joy. By Thursday , we’ll be moving into the “be active” space with a choice between a staff walk or a beginner pilates session in the office – something to boost energy and lift moods. Then, TGIF - we will embrace the “keep learning” theme in big and small ways. It’s all about weaving wellbeing into our days in meaningful, fun, and simple ways so that, as a team, we can connect more deeply with each other and encourage mentally healthy practice in our everyday lives. Keep an eye out on our socials and you'll see what the team gets up to during the week. Plus, we'd love to hear what you and your whānau choose to do this Mental Health Awareness Week! Leave a comment, take a pic, whatever you can! For additional resources on practising mental health, be sure to check out our resource hub. It offers a variety of helpful materials related to all aspects of mental health. You may also want to check out the Mental Health Foundation to find out more about the MHAW campaign . Ngā mihi nui

✨ Make every payday count  ✨ You can now support Skylight Trust through Payroll Giving on Givealittle.   Payroll Giving allows you to make automatic donations directly from your wages or salary — and receive a 33% tax credit instantly. It is simple to set up, and there is no need to keep receipts or file a claim at the end of the year.   Why choose Payroll Giving?  Your donations come straight from your pay  You get one-third back instantly  No admin, no receipts, no stress  Regular support helps us plan and do more good    How to get started:    Visit  givealittle.co.nz/help/payrollgiving   Create a Givealittle account  Set up a Payroll Giving Plan and choose Skylight Trust Send the form to your employer or upload it into your payroll system    Or, click here to read more about this campaign with resources for employees and employers ⬇️ Together, we can turn everyday generosity into lasting impact.

Diary of a CE: Day 1 at Whakamanawa - the National Social Services Conference Skylight's CE, Kathryn Ross, attended the Whakamanawa Conference in Rotorua last week. Run by Social Service Providers Aotearoa, " Whakamanawa is a conference that inspires, encourages, and connects us, bringing kotahitanga across the social sector. It’s about uniting our collective knowledge, skills, and passion so we can all return to our communities and hapori refreshed, ready to continue making a real difference." Here's the scoop on Day 1: The mihi whakatau was moving and a beautiful welcome to Rotorua. The house was packed ! So glad to see how many attendees!   Inspiring kōrero - my highlights so far...   Qiane Matata-Sipu (Te Waiohua, Waikato, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Pikiao, Cook Islands) She certainly lived up to her billing as a powerhouse Māori-Pasifika creative, storyteller, and activist, reshaping narratives and empowering Indigenous voices.   Qiane Matata-Sipu The key takeaways for me: The power of authentic storytelling in healing Stories and mātauranga show us that we have the answers, the rongoā, and that people already know what to do for their families to thrive The importance of knowing who you are and The need to be working on changing the system – the other mahi is continuing business as usual Measuring What Counts : Donna Provost, Andrew Coster, Angie Tangaere A remarkable panel session explored the possibilities of social impact measurement with an emphasis on outcomes, the Social Investment Agency and funding, and free resources from Inspiring Communities (Check out Tūhono Impact - sharing social impact - CommunityNet Aotearoa) . This discussion highlighted the importance of working with the strengths of the whānau and addressing their desires and requirements, as well as the necessity for a learning system. Dr Sneha Lakhotia Dr Sneha Lakhotia took us through frameworks for producing our impact stories. It goes without saying that the Ngā Tau Mīharo o Aotearoa case study serves as a remarkable example and source of inspiration. It was encouraging to hear the reminder that the monetary figure is just one aspect of the overall picture, reinforcing earlier points made by Donna Provost and Angie Tangaere. The bottom line? We possess sufficient data, yet we do not measure positive change effectively and often overlook essential elements like belonging and hope – but we have the capability to do so. And they have so much value.   Dr Nicola Atwool Dr Nicole Atwool – Unpacked colonial baggage as part of a session on Exploring the Tangata Tiriti Journey. Great to get the benefit of her wisdom and expertise. She explored the need to view 'Tangata Tiriti' as a verb – something we need to actively step into. Social justice is at the heart of work in the social services sector, and yet some of this work has been an instrument of colonisation through the imposition of monocultural ways of intervening. But now Te Tiriti and cultural competence are embedded at multiple layers of the social services sector. Ka rawe! I'm definitely looking forward to Day 2 (with more collaborating to come) Visual representation of Day 1

Introducing Sound Bridge: Music Therapy for Young Musicians Starting on the 7th of October, Sound Bridge runs every Tuesday during the school term, from 4:30pm - 6pm, located in Te Aro. Led by registered music therapist Rick Berry , Sound Bridge  offers a space for creative connection, emotional expression, and musical collaboration. Why Sound Bridge? This isn’t just a jam session, it’s a therapeutic group  grounded in evidence-based practice, designed to strengthen wellbeing through music. 🎵 Active music-making : Participants engage in improvisation, collaborative playing, and songwriting. 👥 Peer support : Group settings offer validation, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging that one-on-one therapy often can’t provide. 🌱 Identity development : Music becomes a safe medium for young people to explore who they are and express what words often can’t. 💛 Emotional wellbeing : Music therapy helps improve mood, emotional regulation, stress management, and overall mental health. Who is it for? Rangatahi aged 12–18  who already identify as musicians  (in any genre or style). Young people who would benefit from social connection , emotional support , and creative expression  in a group setting. Why refer? Sound Bridge  offers a low-risk, strengths-based approach to support mental health while honouring a young person’s musical identity. Participants build confidence, learn new ways to cope with challenges, and form meaningful connections—all through the joy of making music. Meet the Facilitator Rick Berry , a registered music therapist trained at the University of Melbourne, brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to his work. With experience in community, inpatient, and youth mental health settings across Australia and Aotearoa—including CAMHS, Oranga Tamariki, Te Whare o Matairangi, and Skylight. Rick is passionate about creating spaces where rangatahi feel seen, safe, and empowered. His approach is grounded, relatable, and responsive to the unique needs of young musicians navigating life’s challenges. “I’ve seen how music creates connection and healing in ways that words often can’t. Sound Bridge  is about using that power to build a supportive space for rangatahi to be heard, be themselves, and belong.” Referrals are now open . If you know a young person who might benefit, we’d love to hear from you. 📍 Wellington-based | Ages 12–18 | Referral required *Sound Bridge is running as a pilot programme in Term 4 of 2025. For more information or to refer, email [email protected]

Please join me in welcoming our newest additions to Skylight's Board of Trustees! The Skylight Board of Trustees is the governing entity tasked with overseeing the organization's mission, policies, and financial well-being. This board is composed of individuals with expertise in various disciplines, such as education, business, law, and the arts, all dedicated to furthering Skylight's objectives. Read more about the Board here . Dr. Amanda Perry 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. Martin Weekes "My name is Martin. I'm married to Jane and am a father of 9 children, aged from 29 years old down to my youngest, who is 7. I am an accomplished leader, board advisor, coach, and mentor specializing in transformation and change." Martin has over 25 years of management experience as a senior executive working in Europe, New Zealand, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Alongside his commercial career, he has been involved with the not-for-profit sector, working with and on the boards of several charities. This involvement has supported at-risk children, families impacted by domestic abuse, emergency rescue, children’s air ambulance, The Neonatal Trust, education, and sport, helping raise over $100 million within New Zealand.

Welcome to Our New Blog! We are excited to announce the launch of our new blog, a space where we aim to share insights, stories, and valuable resources with our community. This blog is a reflection of our passion and commitment to connect with you and provide meaningful content. What You Can Expect Updates and News: Stay tuned for updates about our initiatives, events, and any exciting news related to our organization. Informative Articles: We will be posting articles that cover a wide range of topics relevant to our audience, including tips, trends, and best practices. Counsellor Contributions: We plan to feature our brilliant counsellors to offer different perspectives and expertise, enriching our content even further. Our Goals Through this blog, we hope to: Build a vibrant community where knowledge and experiences can be shared. Provide valuable content that informs and inspires. Encourage collaboration and connection among our readers. Thank you for joining us on this journey. We are thrilled to have you with us and can't wait to share our first post with you soon!