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Skylight is here to help you through difficult times. We can assist you in a variety of ways with information appropriate for your situation. Articles Choose a topic and browse the full range of articles available Helping Tamariki and Rangatahi Cope with Natural Disasters How to manage emotional wellbeing during a disaster Read more Bereavement at different ages and stages Age-by-age guidance to support children and young people through grief. 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. Read more ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Read more 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. Read more Loss of a pet For many people a pet is a beloved member of the family and when they die it is a significant loss. Read more Trauma Trauma is a response to either a one-time event or to many adverse experiences over time. Read more Autism Spectrum Disorder (Takiwātanga) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a difference in how the brain develops and functions. Read more How to talk to children about death What is the right thing to say, especially at a time when a parent is often going through their own grief? Read more Anxiety Anxiety is a natural part of how our body prepares for challenges, but when it becomes overwhelming or constant, it can impact daily life and wellbeing. Read more If you are feeling suicidal Are you finding yourself thinking about suicide? Read more Family break-up When a break up happens in the family, it can be hard on everyone, especially when there are children involved. Read more Suicide and rainbow communities Aotearoa has the highest rate of youth suicide in the developed world, with rates for LGBTQI+ people, even higher. Read more Abusive relationships Partner abuse is a sign of an unhealthy relationship. Read more Bereavement When someone close to you dies Read more How to build resilience “Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.” - Steve Maraboli Read more Parenting Parenting is one of the most rewarding, challenging, joyous and frustrating experiences that we can have. Read more 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. Read more Ageing As people age, they commonly face many changes and losses. Grieving for these, and adjusting to new circumstances, can be hard. Read more Moving house? Helping your kids and teens through it. Deciding to move house begins a string of chain reactions within any family. Every situation is different and every child and teen is different, but some do struggle with the changes. Read more Delayed grief The natural grief process helps us adjust to loss. Delayed grief means the grief process hasn’t started or is stuck. This can be for a variety of reasons. Read more 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. Read more Select a topic Select Topic Select Subtopic

Videos Browse our videos below. To explore our full collection of resources, click here . Trevney shares his story This webisode features Trevney sharing his story of how he 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 he talks about suicide. Watch now Journeys Through Methamphetamine Addiction Skylight Trust with funding from The Vodafone Foundation, has produced a web series that portrays the personal stories of four individuals through their addiction to Methamphetamine. They tell of how their addiction affected them, their tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. Watch now 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. Watch now Mana - Resilience Web Series Introducing Mana who explains that having a good support system helps you to grow and get through tough times. To be resilient, Mana thinks you have to be self-aware and real with yourself and others. Watch now 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. Watch now 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. Watch now 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. Watch now Rose - Resilience Web Series Meet Rose in our resilience web series! Rose tells us that resilience is the ability to bounce back and to not let things bring you down. Through her experiences she shows how surrounding yourself with positive people is something that can really change your outlook. Watch now Melissa - Resilience Web Series Check out Melissa in our resilience web series. Melissa’s strong connection to her family, culture and Pacific roots helps her on her path resilience. Melissa says that you shouldn’t let other people invalidate your feelings. She tells how her family was her hub and how she was able to lean on them in tough times. Watch now Bella - Resilience Web Series Bella focuses on how resilience is finding your voice and bouncing back. By sharing her experiences, she shows the importance of finding strength through connections and community. Watch now

Skylight is a national not-for-profit trust that enables children, young people, their families/ whānau and friends to navigate through times of trauma Programmes We offer resilience-building programmes for both schools and individuals, supporting mental health, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth through guided, age-appropriate experiences. Choose below to find a programme that fits your needs. Filter by Programme Type For individuals For schools Sound Bridge Sound Bridge is a music therapy group for young people aged 12–18 who want to play, jam, and create music together. Learn more Travellers Travellers is a school-based resilience programme designed for Year 9 students navigating challenging life transitions. Learn more Tai-oranga A four hour school based programme comprised of 3 modules - for tamariki 7 - 9 years. Learn more Matika An eight week programme to support tamariki through loss and grief. Learn more Pathfinders A wellbeing programme for young women and non-binary individuals aged 12 - 16. Learn more Heart Song A bereaved parents' support group in Wellington. Learn more Awhi Mai Awhi Atu Wellbeing Counselling support in schools. Learn more Parenting Through Separation PTS is a free information course for individual parents who have separated or who are contemplating separation. Learn more Waves Waves is an eight week programme that aims to support adults aged 18 and older who have been bereaved by suicide. Learn more

We offer counselling for adults, children, young people, and family/whānau who are experiencing any kind of grief, loss and trauma. Kaimahi Our team brings together experience in mental health, education, and community care. We're committed to supporting whānau through life’s toughest challenges. To see our job opportunities, click here . Kathryn Ross CEO After more than 30 years in local and central government in a variety of roles. I joined Skylight because of its mission and values. Read more Vonnie Marshall Counselling Team Leader | Kaitaki Kapa Whakamāherehere I was born in Whanganui-a-Tara and lived in Nelson, where we raised three children. Read more Te Ataahia Hurihanganui Pou Ārahi | Cultural Advisor As a Māmā and the Founding Director of Reo Rua Ltd., I’m dedicated to the wellbeing of tamariki, whānau, and communities through mātauranga-based, Tiriti-led practice. Read more Jenny Devine Clinical Advisor | Kaiwhirinaki Haumanu I am a registered educational psychologist and the Clinical Advisor for Skylight Trust. Read more Amanda Gregan Director of Operations | Rangatohu Mahi Rangapū My role is to ensure the business runs smoothly and sustainably, while seeking growth opportunities across both existing and new areas of operation. Read more Di Duncan Finance Officer | Kaitari Pūtea I am from the UK but relocated to New Zealand a few years ago. Read more Benjamin Jensen Senior Counselling Coordinator | Kaituitui Whakamāherehere Matua In my role at Skylight, I am a counselling coordinator/counsellor. My roles have changed over the last four years. Read more Bridy Haughey Senior Programme Coordinator | Kaituitui Hōtaka Matua I am an educational psychologist working as Senior Programmes Coordinator. Read more Emma Harbour Programmes Coordinator | Kaituitui Hōtaka Previously, a travel tour coordinator, flight attendant, foster carer and supervisor at a home for pregnant teens. I have joined Skylight this year as a Programme Coordinator. Read more Elliot Freeman Programme Coordinator | Kaituitui Hōtaka Matua I am the programme coordinator for Travellers, Skylight's wellbeing programme which supports young people to build resilience and navigate life’s ups and downs. Read more Tina Taylor Counselling Coordinator | Kaituitui Whakamāherehere I am a Counselling Coordinator at Skylight. Kia ora koutou! I am a Counselling Coordinator at Skylight. Read more Maggie Horrell Creative Arts Therapist Maggie Horrell (she/her/ia) a Creative Arts Therapist (MACAT) hailing from the south. She has a background in English and Classical Literature and spent seven years as a Seed Analyst which means her obscure knowledge is top notch. Read more Anne Bristol Office Manager | Kaiwhakahaere Tari I came to Skylight as a volunteer. This led to becoming the Board Secretary and organising Professional Development workshops across the country. Read more Azrul Bibi Administrator -Kaiwhakataka 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. Read more Maddie Barrett Social Media Coordinator | Kaituitui Pae Pāpori 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. Read more Dr. Nicole M. Coupe tangata whenua Co-Chair Dr. Coupe is an experienced researcher and academic with a deep commitment to improving health outcomes through innovative practices. Read more Lesley Hoskin Trustee Lesley brings extensive senior executive and governance experience across the public sector. 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. Read more Nikki Franklin Trustee Nikki has a strong understanding and connections with governance, built up over more than 10 years as part of the Executive Leadership Team of the Institute of Directors (IoD). Read more Brendon Oakley Trustee Brendon is a senior officer within the New Zealand Defence Force. He has seen and done much during his career, from undertaking management and support positions at Defence Headquarters in Wellington to serving with United Nations peacekeeping forces in the Middle East. Read more Tania Vincent Trustee With a career that spans high-level advisory and executive roles in both international and domestic environments, Tania understands the complexities of navigating public, private, and non-profit sectors. Read more Maria Mitimeti Trustee Maria is a leader with extensive public service experience – both at the Board level and as an Executive. A passionate advocate for better outcomes for Pasifika, Maria connected deeply with the kaupapa of Skylight. Read more Katharine Te Hau Bowden Non-voting Trustee Katharine is a Principal Advisor at Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities and a former Private Secretary for Housing. Read more Akasha Te Amo Liana Rio Trustee I am passionate about Te Tiriti o Waitangi, how we address mental health using a Te Triti-based model, and the journey Skylight is on to become a Te Tiriti-based organisation. Read more Dr. Amanda Perry Trustee Dr. Amanda Perry is an experienced clinician and academic leader, who is passionate about supporting people to reach their potential. Read more Martin Weekes Trustee I believe every child deserves the opportunity to live a full and happy life in a positive, stimulating, safe environment and it should be every parent’s wish to see that dream come to fruition. Read more Filter by role Our board Our team

The Power of Journaling Participants will be taken on a journey of positive thinking, problem solving, mindfulness and self-care. You might also be interested in: Good Mood and Food Counselling... what is it all about?

Trevney shares his story This webisode features Trevney sharing his story of how he 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 he talks about suicide. You might also be interested in: 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 Parenting through Grief Bella - Resilience Web Series

Journeys Through Methamphetamine Addiction Skylight Trust with funding from The Vodafone Foundation, has produced a web series that portrays the personal stories of four individuals through their addiction to Methamphetamine. They tell of how their addiction affected them, their tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. 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

Anne Bristol Office Manager | Kaiwhakahaere Tari About me I came to Skylight as a volunteer. This led to becoming the Board Secretary and organising Professional Development workshops across the country. My roles have changed over the years and have included being part of the fundraising team, to EA and reception. I enjoy multi-tasking and especially enjoy greeting manuhiri and tamariki and welcoming them to the office. I organise the Parenting through Separation courses and liaise with the amazing facilitators who deliver this programme. On the weekends I love walking and riding my electric bike. Next Previous

Practical Strategies for Self-Care and Resilience This is the third and final instalment of Skylight's webinar partnership with the Child Cancer Foundation. You might also be interested in: Parenting through Grief Grief 101 for Parents

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 . 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 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

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

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