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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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