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Our impact Skylight supports thousands of individuals, schools, and whānau across Aotearoa each year with tools to navigate grief, loss, and life’s challenges. Our impact is backed by research and felt in classrooms, counselling rooms, and communities nationwide. At Skylight Trust, our work is grounded in the belief that every person deserves the tools and support to navigate life’s challenges and thrive. From emotional resilience programmes to resources for families experiencing grief and trauma, our impact is wide-reaching and deeply felt. We are proud to share just some of the ways we are making a difference across Aotearoa. Building Resilience Through Travellers Our flagship programme, Travellers , supports Year 9 students navigating the complex transition into high school. Delivered in schools nationwide, the programme builds resilience and key life skills through small group sessions that explore topics like identity, emotions, support networks, and problem-solving. In 2023, more than 4400 students completed our online wellness survey, with over 400 participating in Travellers groups. A recent independent evaluation by ImpactLab revealed that for every $1 invested in Travellers, $3.30 of measurable social good is returned to New Zealand. This equates to $2,563 of social value generated per participant, with outcomes including improved mental health, increased academic achievement, and reduced risky behaviour. Empowering Schools and Educators We train over 100 school staff each year to become Travellers facilitators. Feedback from our trainings continues to be overwhelmingly positive, with facilitators reporting increased confidence in supporting students through change, loss, and transitions. We also provide access to an evolving library of tools and resources to help schools support student wellbeing more holistically. Whānau Support in Times of Grief and Change Skylight offers counselling and resources to whānau facing grief, loss, trauma, and big life changes. Our resources range from books and care packs to therapeutic support and tailored workshops. In the past year, over 14,000 resources were distributed to individuals, families, and professionals across the country. Focus on Equity and Cultural Safety We are committed to supporting equity and cultural safety in all that we do. We continue to work with Māori and Pasifika advisors to ensure our programmes are responsive to the diverse cultural identities of the rangatahi we serve. In 2023, 13% of our participants identified as Māori and 10% as Pasifika. Growing Our Reach From small beginnings, Skylight has grown into a national presence. Last year alone, we supported thousands of individuals, hundreds of schools, and a growing network of professionals committed to mental wellbeing. We are currently piloting new tools, including a digital wellbeing survey platform and updated Travellers content for 2025. Annual reports 2024 - 2025 2023 - 2024 2022 - 2023 2021 - 2022 2020 - 2021 2019 - 2020 2018 - 2019 2017 - 2018 2016 - 2017 2015 - 2016 2014 - 2015 2013 - 2014 2012 - 2013 2011 - 2012 2010 - 2011 You might also be interested in: Te Kunenga Māori Strategy and Action Plan 2025 Advocacy Our partners Contact us Work with us Fundraising ideas

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

How to build resilience “Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.” - Steve Maraboli What is Resilience? Resilience is the ability to adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma, or significant stress, such as family or relationship problems, health challenges, workplace difficulties, or financial pressures. It is often described as “bouncing back” from hardship, learning from those experiences, and facing new challenges with greater strength. Resilience is not a rare trait. Most people demonstrate it in their everyday lives, often without realising it. Being resilient does not mean you do not experience hardship, sadness, or emotional pain. Rather, it means you have developed thoughts, behaviours, and actions that help you navigate and recover from life’s difficulties. The Foundations of Resilience A key factor in building resilience is having strong, supportive relationships within your whānau, family, friendship groups, and wider community. These connections offer encouragement, reassurance, and a stable network to lean on during tough times. Other important factors include: The ability to view crises as manageable Acceptance that change is part of life Confidence in your problem-solving skills Maintaining hope and optimism for the future Taking care of your physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing Strategies to Build Resilience Everyone develops resilience differently, but the following approaches can help individuals, families, groups, and communities strengthen it: Connect with others Build and nurture relationships with whānau, friends, and colleagues. Join community groups, clubs, or volunteer organisations to expand your support network. See challenging events as something you can manage You may not control the event, but you can control your response. Focus on the fact that challenges are temporary and that you will get through them. Accept change as part of life Some goals may no longer be possible after a major change, but you can set new ones that fit your circumstances. Set realistic goals Break long-term goals into smaller, achievable steps. Celebrate progress along the way. Take action Address problems directly rather than avoiding them. Small, proactive steps make a big difference. See opportunities in challenges Difficult times can help you discover new strengths, build skills, and deepen relationships. Think positively about yourself Trust your abilities and your capacity to solve problems. Keep things in perspective Avoid magnifying problems and consider them in a broader context. Be optimistic Expect that good things can and will happen in your life. Look after yourself Exercise, eat well, get enough rest, spend time with loved-ones, and make time for activities that restore your energy. Get to know yourself Reflect on your experiences, values, and coping strategies. Journaling or meditation can help you understand what works best for you. Expect setbacks and keep going Progress is not always smooth, but persistence builds strength. Useful links: Resilience Coping with stress - InfoAboutKids Youthsay - Resources for kaimahi working with rangatahi Self-care and managing stress and building resilience | Mind You might also be interested in: Helping Tamariki and Rangatahi Cope with Natural Disasters Trauma Delayed grief Loss of job 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]

Is a Worry Worrying You? An introduction to understanding worries and anxiety You might also be interested in: Practical Strategies for Self-Care and Resilience Good Mood and Food

Maggie Horrell Creative Arts Therapist About me 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. In her clinical work, Maggie is passionate about offering people of all ages the opportunity to express themselves through creativity and cultivates curiosity and wonderment in her therapeutic practice. She has worked with a diverse range of clients – from tamariki to rangatahi in schools, group work with older adults with cognitive and/or physical disabilities and facilitating wellbeing sessions for rest home residents with dementia. Maggie is usually seen sporting a handmade or vintage outfit and will easily spend all her spare time in her home sewing studio surrounded by house plants. Next Previous

Guide for parents and carers Caring for a child or young person through grief, change, or distress can feel overwhelming. Skylight is here to support you with tools, guidance, and counselling to help your whānau move through tough times together. At Skylight, we know how tough it can be to support a child or young person who’s going through grief, loss, trauma or big changes. You might be unsure what to say, how to help, or where to turn for support — and you’re not alone. We’re here to walk alongside you. Skylight offers a wide range of free and low-cost services to help whānau through difficult times. This includes one-on-one counselling for tamariki, rangatahi and parents, as well as a library of practical resources designed specifically for families navigating change. From books and care packs to group programmes and online tools, our goal is to provide information and support that’s grounded in compassion, evidence, and real-life experience. We also offer tailored guidance for parents, carers and guardians — whether you're coping with a recent bereavement, helping a child through anxiety, or managing complex family transitions like separation or illness. Whatever your situation, we can help you find the right tools and approaches to support your child and yourself. If you're not sure where to start, reach out. Our team is kind, knowledgeable, and here to listen. We’ll help you figure out what’s available and what might work best for you and your whānau. You might also be interested in: Guide for young people Guide for schools Other organisations that can help Request a support pack

Travellers Travellers is a school-based resilience programme designed for Year 9 students navigating challenging life transitions. Empowering young people to navigate life’s journey. Travellers is a nationally recognised, school-based programme developed by Skylight in partnership with the Ministry of Health. Designed for Year 9 students navigating challenging life transitions—such as loss, family change, or starting secondary school—Travellers builds the essential life skills of resilience, confidence, self-esteem, and emotional wellbeing . Through the powerful metaphor that "life is a journey," students explore their own stories, challenges, and strengths in a small-group setting led by trained facilitators. Travellers has supported thousands of young people across Aotearoa since its launch in 2001, and is backed by ongoing research, evaluation, and a trusted reputation in schools. A recent independent evaluation by ImpactLab revealed that for every $1 invested in Travellers, $3.30 of measurable social good is returned to New Zealand. This equates to $2,563 of social value generated per participant, with outcomes including improved mental health, increased academic achievement, and reduced risky behaviour. About the Training This two-day immersive workshop is your opportunity to become a Travellers Facilitator. Designed primarily for school guidance counsellors and pastoral care staff, it equips you to deliver the programme with confidence, care, and creativity. What to expect: Experience Travellers from the inside out – participate as both a student and a facilitator to gain deep insight into the programme. Explore the ‘life journey’ framework and learn how to guide students through eight interactive, themed sessions. Hands-on, practical training facilitated by Skylight’s experienced trainers. Learn about the full Travellers kit , including manuals, tools, and access to the online student wellbeing survey. By the end of the training, you’ll be ready to lead impactful groups that help students recognise their strengths, process change, and build lasting connections—all within a safe, supportive environment. Dates and locations Contact [email protected] for more information or to enquire about 2026 trainings. You might also be interested in: Tai-oranga Matika Pathfinders Awhi Mai Awhi Atu

Dr. Amanda Perry Trustee About me “As a counsellor deeply committed to mental health and emotional wellbeing, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of compassionate support during life’s most challenging moments. Skylight Trust’s mission to walk alongside individuals and whānau navigating grief, trauma, and loss resonates deeply with my values and professional experience. I’m passionate about contributing my insights from face to face and online counselling to help shape strategic decisions that ensure Skylight continues to offer responsive, inclusive, and impactful services. Serving on the board enables me to share my knowledge and give back to the community in a meaningful way, with maximum impact.” 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. Next Previous

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. You might also be interested in: Trevney shares his story Journeys Through Methamphetamine Addiction 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

Emma Harbour Programmes Coordinator | Kaituitui Hōtaka About me Kia ora, I am Emma. 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. Our team oversees networking with other community organisations and schools to promote and deliver a variety of youth wellbeing programmes. I work at Skylight Trust because the values and work align with my personal ethos. I am passionate and motivated to support others, and I want to use my time and energy for meaningful work. When I am not at work I enjoy knitting & crochet while watching the latest TV series, baking and trying out new recipes, nature walks and campervan adventures with my husband and two chihuahuas, being an active aunty, hosting international students and volunteering with the New Zealand Red Cross in a refugee resettlement. Next Previous

Dr. Nicole M. Coupe tangata whenua Co-Chair About me "I’ve known of Skylight since 2008, when I worked with the then CEO on research into suicide. From this I gained an insight into Skylight’s great work with tamariki and rangatahi. I subsequently conducted a cultural review of Skylight, and jumped at the chance to become a Board member to make a difference for tamariki, rangatahi and our mokopuna and support their mental health and wellbeing needs. I am committed to seeing Skylight evolve into a Te Tiriti-based organisation operating across the motu – reaching all our kids in need equitably." Dr Coupe is an experienced researcher and academic with a deep commitment to improving health outcomes through innovative practices. She holds expertise in public health, mental health, and health equity, particularly for marginalised communities and has worked across academic, governmental and the not for profit sectors. Widely published, Nicole has a PhD in Māori Studies and has contributed extensively to studies focusing on indigenous health, health systems and community-based interventions. Next Previous

Brendon Oakley Trustee About me "With my background in leadership, engineering, governance and coaching I wanted to help young people in need. Becoming a Skylight Board member seemed an obvious choice as I had a personal connection to the organisation, a strong desire to use my skills and a passion for the work. It is extremely important that our tamariki and rangatahi get the help and support they need to thrive and succeed, and Skylight is a high-value organisation focused on this. I feel privileged to work with the wonderful staff at Skylight and alongside Board members dedicated to making a collective difference." 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. Brendon holds Masters degrees (Business Administration, Engineering and Management), a Diploma in Defence and Strategic Studies, and a Bachelor of Science amongst other qualifications. Skilled in governance domestically and internationally, Brendon is also skilled in Information Communications Technology and is dedicated to service, including sharing his skills and life experiences with the Skylight Board and staff to improve the mental health and wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. Next Previous