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Travellers is a structured, small‑group wellbeing programme primarily for Year 9 students. Delivered in schools by trained staff, it provides a safe, supportive space where young people can reflect, learn practical coping tools, and connect with others navigating similar experiences. Home Schools Parents Login Menu Close Navigating life’s Journey A group programme for young people that builds resilience and helps them face life and its challenges Start the survey Starting secondary school is a big transition Alongside new friendships and independence, many young people are also navigating pressure, uncertainty, identity questions, family changes, and emotional stress. Travellers provides early, practical support, helping young people build skills before challenges become overwhelming. Make sense of thoughts and feelings Learn healthy ways to cope with stress and change Build confidence and self-belief Strengthen relationships and help-seeking Feel more connected to school and trusted adults 25 years Proven in schools for over 25 years 1K+ School staff trained to deliver Travellers 250+ Schools across Aotearoa For Schools Discover how Travellers strengthens student wellbeing, builds pastoral connections, and supports early intervention. Learn more For Parents & WhAAnau Learn what your child will experience in Travellers and how you can support them at home. Learn more What is Travellers? Travellers is a structured, small-group wellbeing programme primarily for Year 9 students. Students meet weekly in groups of 8–10 with trained facilitators over 10 sessions. Through discussion, creative activities, and practical tools, young people learn how to understand themselves better and respond to life’s challenges with confidence. School-based, during school hours Small, supportive groups Delivered by trained school staff Backed by research and over 25 years of delivery Developed in Aotearoa, for Aotearoa Created in partnership with... how it works Understand student wellbeing Schools use a short, confidential wellbeing survey to gain a clear picture of how students are really doing. Offer targeted support Students who may benefit from extra support are invited into a 10-week small-group programme. Build skills and connection Young people learn practical tools for coping, emotional awareness, self-esteem, and build trusting connections with peers and staff. Learn how Travellers is delivered Young people tell us Travellers helps them… Enhance their connections with peers, family members, staff, and facilitators “I get on with teachers now. I didn’t get on with them before Travellers. I talk to my form teacher about stuff now. In Travellers, we try to open our hearts to each other and solve common problems together. I could share my feelings and it was kept personal. It’s great.” Reduce emotional distress and improve their ability to cope “This program helped me with dealing with certain situations that I'd often have a hard time dealing with. It taught me how to calm down when I was stressed/upset and how to react when certain situations arise. It made me feel safe to share any problems I had because everyone else was very comfortable with themselves, and that made my issues feel much more secure and valid when sharing them.” Increase confidence and self-belief “Overall, I feel Travellers has made me more confident in sharing my emotions and voicing them too, I also feel that Travellers has helped me to realize that having emotions are good and how to deal with them in a healthy way. It also helped me with being a more positive person and reflecting that positivity on others by helping them as well.” have a greater willingness to talk and seek help “Travellers helped me understand that if I’m going through a difficult time that I have friends and family there and it’s good to talk about cause you’re expressing your feelings.” feel less alone and more understood “It's helped me realise I'm not alone and that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover because loads of people go though horrible things and you wouldn't be able to tell from looking at them. Basically it's helped me be more open minded.” Help me support my child Developed by Skylight Trust Skylight Trust is a national not-for-profit that specialises in helping tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau navigate tough times. We provide counselling (in person and online), group programmes, resources, and training for professionals. We believe no one should face grief, loss, or change alone. This guide is just one way we share that support. 24k+ Hours of therapy each year 400+ Families supported per month 130+ Schools running our programmes Proven, trusted, and grounded in Aotearoa Proven over time Supporting young people across Aotearoa since 2001 Research-informed: Developed with Victoria University of Wellington Early intervention focus Identifies need early and prevents escalation Builds school capability Staff are trained to deliver sustainably Culturally grounded Incorporates Te Ao Māori and Te Whare Tapa Whā Jacob School Counsellor "Through counselling [the child] has been able to acknowledge their fear and connect with joy, family and the other protective elements in life." Glenda Facilitator "Creative activities gave the girls space to express themselves in ways that felt safe and empowering, often opening conversations that may not have happened otherwise." Noel Student "It’s different now. Before I went to Travellers I didn’t really get along with my friends. N ow I speak up to them and I’m not invisible anymore." Getting started with Travellers Getting started with Travellers is simple and fully supported. Schools are guided step by step, from first enquiry through to delivery. Register interest Get in touch to talk through your school’s context, needs, and timing. Book facilitator training Identify at least two staff members to attend the two‑day Travellers facilitator training. Run the Student Wellbeing Survey Gain a clear picture of your Year 9 cohort’s wellbeing to inform group invitations and planning. Deliver the programme Run small‑group Travellers sessions during the school day with ongoing support. Sign up to our newsletter We’ll send you the Change and Loss guide straight away, and follow up with more short, helpful emails. You can unsubscribe any time. First name* Email address* Yes, I want the free guide and email support series * Get my free guide 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]

Skylight Trust supports young people and whānau through tough times with counselling, resources, and programmes. Compassionate care that makes a difference. We’re a charity dedicated to helping young people navigate through tough times Request counselling Jacob School Counsellor "Through counselling [the child] has been able to acknowledge their fear and connect with joy, family and the other protective elements in life." Glenda Facilitator "Creative activities gave the girls space to express themselves in ways that felt safe and empowering, often opening conversations that may not have happened otherwise." Noel Student "It’s different now. Before I went to Travellers I didn’t really get along with my friends. N ow I speak up to them and I’m not invisible anymore." Counselling Supportive counselling to help individuals and families build resilience and navigate life’s challenges. Read more Programmes Practical tools and safe, supportive spaces for schools to work through change, trauma, and growth together. Read more Free resources A curated collection of free guides and tools to foster resilience, inspire hope, and support families. Read more We are here for you We offer specialised information to help you move through challenging times. Loss and grief Trauma Relationships Mental health Neurodiversity Family change Suicide prevention See more Need support? Contact our support services or a crisis helpline Find out more Guide for parents and carers Guide for schools Guide for young people Announcements Every week, more children, young people, and whānau reach out to Skylight for support. And the donations we receive allow us to keep offering free and low-cost counselling, develop resources, and train facilitators in schools nationwide. Your donation is tax deductible and can provide help to young people across Aotearoa. Make a Donation About Skylight Skylight is a registered charity, supporting people through tough times with tailored resources, resilience programmes, and counselling. We believe that with the right support, anyone can find hope and strength. Read our story 24k+ Hours of therapy each year 400+ Families supported per month 130+ Schools running our programmes Stories of hope and resilience Over the past 25 years, we’ve supported thousands of rangatahi through life’s challenges, from grief and loss to family changes, anxiety, and identity. Each journey is unique, and we’re grateful to those who’ve shared their experiences. Here are just a few of their stories. Discover their stories McKay's story Brittany's story Trevney's story Melissa's story Make a donation Support a young person’s journey to resilience and hope by donating to Skylight. Donate Get involved From fundraising, to partnering with us, or even working directly with us, there are many ways to get involved. Learn more Subscribe to our newsletter 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] Browse our online shop We sell publications designed for building resilience in children, young people, families and communities Shop now Many thanks to our funders and supporters To see all of our supporters, click here.

Complaints Policy You can complain about any service provided by Skylight, including those by contracted providers. Skylight Complaints Procedure - (Summary) We welcome feedback and take complaints seriously. Here is how complaints are handled: What Can You Complain About? Any service provided by Skylight, including those by contracted providers. Complaints may be made by you or someone on your behalf (e.g. a parent, friend, or advocate). We may require consent to respond to complaints about someone else. Complaints are accepted in any format and treated with priority. What Happens Next? All complaints are confidential. We acknowledge complaints within 5 working days . We aim to respond within 21 working days . If more time is needed, we will keep you informed. Complex complaints are updated monthly until resolved. Sensitive complaints involving SEAH or Fraud are referred to the Chief Executive. Complaints are directed to the relevant Manager for resolution. Send your written complaints to: [email protected] If You are Not Satisfied You may also contact: Your local Member of Parliament The Minister for Social Development The Ombudsman or Privacy Commissioner When you use a Health and Disability Service in Aotearoa New Zealand you have the protection of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. You might also be interested in: Skylight's child protection policy Privacy policy Contact us

Our unique offering is a full spectrum of care for those tamariki and rangatahi aged 5 - 24 years with mild to moderate mental health concerns. About Skylight Skylight is a New Zealand charity that supports children, young people, and whānau through tough times by providing counselling, resources, and programmes. Our locations Explore the map to see all the schools and communities where our programmes are running. Click on the top-left icon to filter by programme. Our story Our people Our impact Work with us More info Contact us Our story Skylight started in 1996 to support children and young people through grief, loss, and trauma. After a local bereavement service closed, a group of professionals created a trust to fill the gap—starting small in Newtown with donated space and community backing. We quickly grew into a national organisation, offering counselling, resources, and training. Programmes like Travellers brought support into schools, and we responded to major events like the Christchurch earthquakes with practical tools and immediate care. Today, we continue helping tamariki and rangatahi aged 5 - 24 years navigate tough times, with a focus on community partnerships, cultural respect, and making support accessible to anyone who needs it. Read our full story Kaimahi Kaimahi Kathryn Ross CEO Vonnie Marshall Counselling Team Leader | Kaitaki Kapa Whakamāherehere Te Ataahia Hurihanganui Pou Ārahi | Cultural Advisor Jenny Devine Clinical Advisor | Kaiwhirinaki Haumanu Meet the Skylight team What we stand for Ngā whainga – Vision In Aotearoa tamariki and rangatahi are empowered to thrive. Tā mātou whakatakanga – Mission Guiding tamariki and rangatahi hauora through responsive, informed and effective practice. Ngā uara – Values Ko tā te tamaiti - Child Centric Ngākau pono - Integrity Whakamanamanahia - Empowered / Uplifting Relationships Tāngata Rite - Equity Learn more about our strategic plan here. Our services Counselling & support We offer confidential, professional counselling for tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and adults facing grief, trauma, family breakdown, domestic violence, illness, behavioural challenges and more. With locations across the Wellington region and nationwide online/phone sessions, our family-centred approach supports individuals and entire families in finding strength together. Group programmes Skylight runs tailored group programmes to help people connect and heal. We hold regular support groups like Heart Song for bereaved parents and varied groups for children facing different forms of loss. School-based resilience Our Travellers programme equips Year 9 students to cope with change, transitions and loss through an eight-week, in-school journey led by trained staff. We also offer short courses such as Matika and Tai‑oranga, plus Awhi Mai Awhi Atu wellbeing counselling directly in schools, promoting mental health and resilience where students spend their day Resources & training Skylight provides an online resource library and support pack service with materials on grief, trauma, and resilience that we post across Aotearoa. Our workshops and professional development training empower educators, organisations, and communities to confidently support others through crises, grief, and life challenges. How we are funded Our funding comes from fundraising events, grants and donations, sponsorships, and Government contracts for some service provision. Thank you to all the individuals, organisations and grant agencies that have supported us and helped us become what we are today. Skylight is a national, not-for-profit trust. Skylight is registered with Charities Services as Skylight Trust, CC27206. We are governed by a Board of Trustees, from a wide variety of backgrounds, who share the vision of seeing people of any age supported and empowered to move forward in their lives. Annual reports View our annual reports for more information 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... Complaints Policy Read more Professional development opportunities Read more Our impact Read more Our story Read more Other organisations that can help Read more Te Kunenga Māori Strategy and Action Plan 2025 Read more Advocacy Read more Skylight's child protection policy Read more Our supporters Read more Our partners Read more Privacy policy Read more Contact us Read more Work with us Read more Organise your own fundraising event Read more Fundraising ideas Read more Get involved Read more

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. Thank you to our partners and supporters and regular donors: Ministry of Education Ministry of Justice Oranga Tamariki Te Whatu Ora Lottery Grants Board & COGS - Community Organisations Grants Scheme Dentons BUPA The Good Registry ANZ Staff Foundation Haven Falls Harbour City Funeral Home FreshChoice 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 the individuals who support us in many others ways. You might also be interested in: Our impact Our story Advocacy Our partners

Elliot Freeman Senior Programme Manager | Kaituitui Hōtaka Matua About me Kia ora, my name is Elliot. 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. I joined Skylight because I care deeply about helping people feel more connected: to themselves, to each other, and to what matters most. It’s rare to find a team doing that in such a thoughtful, human way. Outside of Skylight, I'm a coach, facilitator, and product manager with a background in mental health, mindfulness, and building digital tools that support personal growth. I coach people going through life transitions, run meditation events, and love anything that involves creativity, deep conversation, or getting out into the bush. You’ll usually find me with a cup of tea in hand, listening to music or staring out into space Next Previous

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 Programmes – Psychology Lead | Kaituitui Hōtaka Matua I am an educational psychologist working as Senior Programmes Coordinator. Read more Emma Harbour Programmes, Outreach and Fundraising | 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 Senior Programme Manager | Kaituitui Hōtaka Matua I look after Travellers, Skylight's wellbeing programme which supports young people to build resilience and navigate life’s ups and downs. Read more Tina Taylor Client Care Lead | Kaituitui Whakamāherehere 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

Tina Taylor Client Care Lead | Kaituitui Whakamāherehere About me I am a Counselling Coordinator at Skylight. Kia ora koutou! I am a Counselling Coordinator at Skylight. My role is to take care of client referrals and triage clients to counsellors using the information provided to create a good fit. It is important to me to work for an organisation that shares my values and makes the world a better place by supporting and empowering people. I love my job! In my spare time, I read, watch movies and spend time with friends and whānau. On the weekend I'm likely to be found: at the Brewtown Sunday markets or, enjoying the many walks that the Hutt Valley has to offer both sea and river side, and most likely in my egg chair in the garden reading. Next Previous

Azrul Bibi Administrator | Kaiwhakataka About me 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. My role at Skylight is as an Administrator entering confidential data for Counselling and Programmes and completing general administration duties. I enjoy working at Skylight because every day I learn something new and creative, and I work with beautiful people. Outside of work I enjoy watching cartoons with my daughter, watch rugby and love cooking for my children. 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

Bridy Haughey Programmes – Psychology Lead | Kaituitui Hōtaka Matua About me Ko Bridy Haughey tōku ingoa. I am an educational psychologist working as Senior Programmes Coordinator. I chose to work at Skylight because I have always been passionate about helping others and working with young people. I love working in Programmes because it provides an opportunity to support a wider group of people at once, to help improve different aspects of their mental health and overall wellbeing. In my spare time, I like to read, travel, watch films, and spend time at the beach. I also enjoy yoga as I find that it is a great way to destress at the end of the day. Next Previous

Emma Harbour Programmes, Outreach and Fundraising | 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