There is a constant need for Wellbeing Mentors and Chaplains in your community, partner with us to support young people in schools.
If you enjoy interacting with children and young people - and have 4 hours a week - you can make a positive impact in a school community.
The need for extra support in schools and in the lives of young people and their whānau is greater than ever. If young people have a positive connection with a trusted adult, they can grow in a healthy way that sets them up for emotional resilience for life.
You can be that adult.
A recent Government report stated that ‘children and young people want to be accepted for who they are - listened to - and supported in their aspirations’*. Mental health is a big issue amongst youth. Schools are very busy places and the wellbeing needs are often immense. We can be part of a solution.
Lifewalk supports many Wellbeing Mentors all over Aotearoa. Right now, the demand for help in schools is more than we can provide.
*Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy 2019 - page 11.
A day in the life of a Chaplain
When you’re in a school, every day can look different. The most important thing you will do is be available and ready to help with whatever you can.
A Wellbeing Mentor can:
Provide one-on-one support for students, teachers and parents connected to the school community.
Facilitate group programmes like Seasons for Growth
Connect with parents and whānau in practical ways.
Be available to help in classrooms, at school events, camps, assemblies, school crossings etc.
Below is an example that comes from a chaplain who has been working in Ōtāhuhu for many years.
“We’ve been involved with youth and families for years. I love the energy of the kids and how open and real they are. The things they say and their expressions… I just feel alive when I’m around them.”
Sue Millen, Ōtāhuhu chaplain.
A typical day for Sue:
12:25pm
I arrive at school and sign in.
The bell rings for lunch break and I walk around the school saying ‘hi’ to the kids - sometimes I might join in their games. During lunch, I like to look for students who might be alone; I go over and see how their day is going and ask if they would like to join me and play. I also use this time to say hello to the teachers on lunch duty and walk with them.
1:00pm
I head to the staff room to greet the teachers and spend some time with them. This is a chance for teachers to refer any students to me, or they might request some extra help in their classroom. Sometimes, they just need someone to talk to as well, and I listen without judgment and offer support.
1:20pm
I set up my break-out space so it’s welcoming and comforting for the kids. Air con, bean bags, arts and crafts, reading books and Jenga activities are all ready to go. I let the kids decide whether they want to use the break-out space, walk with me around the school or sit together under the trees.
2:30pm
I use this time to go and assist teachers who may need some extra help in class as the school day draws to an end.
3:00pm
If I’m not busy helping a teacher, I like to go and stand at the road crossing and say goodbye to the kids. It’s a great chance to catch up with parents too.
—
John Davison
“I’m thankful for the privilege I have had of assisting in the classroom, going on school trips and camps and being invited to participate in pōwhiri for new school families. Sometimes I was even beaten at chess by a year seven student! There have also been many times with staff and parents who needed some gentle encouragement or someone to listen.”
Former Chaplain in Waikato.
—
Raewyn Moodie
“I chatted with children every week about their worries and concerns but also got to talk to teachers and support them through hard times as well. I connected several families with food parcels when their families were going through hard times.”
Former Chaplain in Auckland
The journey toward chaplaincy
Being a Wellbeing Mentor is a real privilege – to be in schools throughout NZ supporting students in need.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Here is a breakdown of the journey to become a Lifewalk chaplain:
You let us know you’re interested in becoming a chaplain via our contact page
Complete the application forms here. Working with young people is something we take really seriously, and this process includes Police Vetting forms, two character references, and a criminal and conviction history.
Your Regional Leader will confirm a time with you to talk through an overview of the role and ask some questions about your application in an interview.
There is required pre-course reading with online reflections.
Should your pre-course application be successful you will be booked on the next available 3 day course.
There is a $200 charge for the course which covers your manual/workbook, morning and afternoon tea and the placement and supervision processes. You are able to make part payments for our courses to help with budgets.Sometimes school placements don’t happen as quickly as we would like, however we manage the entire process and will keep you informed along the way.
Once you’re placed in a school
Attend five supervision meetings each year
Attend two professional development workshops each year
Complete a Police Vetting, Code of Expectation and Referee docs every three years.
Start your Lifewalk journey today!
Keen to support the work but can’t volunteer just yet? You can always donate and be part of our team.
