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 free 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.