Skylight Trust

03/09/2026

Our six-week Pathfinders programme trial has been running in the Wellington region — and the feedback has been fantastic. We're already seeing the impact it's having on young wāhine and non-binary rangatahi - building confidence, resilience and connection.
A huge thank you to Lottery Grants for backing this pilot.
https://wix.to/vc3xOfE

02/09/2026

Skylight has been selected as one of just 12 organisations nationwide for the Social Investment Agency's Contract Consolidation initiative — bringing our counselling and Whānau Support services across Waikato, Wellington, and South Canterbury into one outcomes-based agreement.

This means more of our energy goes where it matters: supporting around 840 tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau every year through grief, trauma, and mental distress, and helping teachers build trauma-informed practice in schools.

Read more:

https://www.sia.govt.nz/social-investment-fund/pathway-two-contract-consolidation/contract-consolidation-selected-initiatives?fbclid=IwY2xjawUETcZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7_ndPFP4gcAmuURmTgia9_WDx5DLDgG17XmWMXYWlNu2gKtdFLmIEfMPrDUg_aem_aICkxKnng_2y5Jg7N7Cjkg

01/09/2026

Mental Health Matters Initiative - A event - Youth Mental Health Election Panel - 7pm 23rd September at the Boatshed - Register today and have your say https://events.humanitix.com/mhmi-mentalhealthdebate26

30/08/2026

Skylight's Travellers programme is for Year 9 students - this helps young people build life skills and develop resilience. Register your school for one of the following training sessions:
Whangarei: 13/14 August (FULL)
Dunedin: 3/4 September
Christchurch: 10/11 September
email [email protected]
www.travellers.org.nz

28/08/2026

We're pleased to be offering services for tamariki and rangatahi (5-24) in the Wairarapa.

We've got a site in Greytown for Art Therapy and are looking for rooms in Masterton for Art Therapy too, and we can do talk therapy online. Skylight counselling ranges from $45 (incl. GST) to $149.50 (incl. GST) per session. Other funding options may also be available.

If this sounds like something you would like to explore please
- fill in our online referral form www.skylight.org.nz/counselling-request or
phone 0800 299 100

27/08/2026

Last week, I attended Tātou, Tātou, a community and voluntary sector hui organised by the great people at Vulnerable Support Charitable Trust and Mana Communications.

There were over 70 not-for-profit leaders, funders and people involved with the charities and voluntary sector in the room.

We noted the difficult environment for the voluntary and not-for-profit sector - with many in the sector feeling completely undervalued - at a time of increased need, a funding squeeze, and a drawn-out cost of living crisis.

But I came away with such hope and renewed commitment to the people we serve. As I said to RNZ - hearing from the people we support day in and day out - you cannot help but be inspired by their stories of success and motivated to empower them to thrive.

A huge thank you to Luta and Denis and their gift to us - sharing their journeys.

A panel of politicians shared their views on what needed to occur and a statement from the sector was compiled and shared. It called for a "genuine partnership between government, iwi, the sector and those who invest in our communities" ... "a shared direction that extends beyond election cycles" and a better funding relationship. "Aotearoa's generosity is one of our greatest strengths, but it cannot carry the weight of our social infrastructure alone. Government must meet its responsibilities and create the conditions that allow our sector, and our country, to thrive."

Check out the coverage on -
RNZ - https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/community/1073969/charities-call-for-more-state-support-to-weather-perfect-storm
Breakfast - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FRuQqvJN-ZKTj46UTUKIsRW8IoLEZT_6/view

23/08/2026

Grief can feel isolating — but simple, caring presence makes a difference. Read our short guide on how to hold space for someone who’s grieving: practical ways to help, what to say (and what not to), and small gestures that matter. Read more: https://wix.to/k75HwV6

Let's Talk about it -It's important to hold space for people in their grief. It may be difficult to know how to do this. We can be afraid to say or do the wrong thing and make things worse or feel like nothing we do or say will help. Don't be discouraged - being there for someone is the most helpful...

20/08/2026

Parents and caring adults play an important role in helping tamariki and rangatahi build resilience to meet the challenges of today's world. Alongside the stresses of schooling and issues at home, they are also navigating the realities of climate change, social media, economic uncertainty, and the rapidly changing impacts of AI. Read Skylight's latest Blog

We've Got This!Building Your Child or Teen’s Resilience Growing up in today's world offers many challenges for our tamariki and rangatahi. Alongside the stresses of schooling and issues at home, they are also navigating the realities of climate change, social media, economic uncertainty, and the r...

31/07/2026

https://wix.to/NoP2ZZS

Skylight Trust supports young people and whānau through tough times with counselling, resources, and programmes. Compassionate care that makes a difference.