Supporting Student Wellbeing: Awhi Mai Awhi Atu Counselling in Schools

Students' mental health is closely tied to how they engage, achieve, and show up at school. When they’re supported emotionally, they thrive academically and socially.

Awhi Mai Awhi Atu is a school-based counselling programme that began in 2021, designed to offer evidence-based emotional support for tamariki in primary and intermediate schools. It’s about helping young people feel safe, heard, and empowered to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.

Skylight, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, is proud to be Aotearoa’s largest provider of this initiative, currently serving 32 schools across South Canterbury, Waikato, and Wellington.

Feedback:

"The learning support team have been bringing in students who are socially anxious to meet with me as drop-ins to see if they will feel comfortable in the therapy room - all have been keen to move forward with a referral. I attribute this to the calming powers of plasticine!" School Counsellor

"A parent emailed to thank me for my work and said she has seen a huge difference in her child since doing the counselling." School Counsellor

"Kaiako (teachers) have commented that they’ve seen an increase in attendance from ākonga that have accessed counselling." Teacher

"During the painting with music, one of the tamariki whispered, “I didn’t know colours could make you feel better”. Te Korowai Programme Facilitator

"There were moments of pride when tamariki added feathers to the korowai. It started to mean something to them – they touched it with reverence, like it had power." Te Korowai Programme SWiS

How to Register Your Interest

If you’re interested in this programme as a school counsellor, educator or Principal, please reach out to us at  info@skylight.org.nz