Lifewalk Wellbeing Mentors provide extra support for your child
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2019
“...a good life for children and young people means being loved, happy, supported by their family and friends, and being connected to their whānau, communities, language and cultures.”
Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy // Read the full strategy here (offsite)
Lifewalk Chaplains - the extra care we all need sometimes
Most young people have times in their lives when they need some extra support around them. As parents, we understand how hard it can be to see our children struggle with life’s challenges.
Lifewalk Wellbeing Mentors are here to help. A Chaplain or Wellbeing Mentor, can be a steady and caring person in your child’s life, journeying with them through challenging times.
We provide a safe environment for your child and encourage them to share what is going on for them. We help them recognise that they are a valuable part of our world and have much to offer.
Chaplains are not trained counsellors; they simply make themselves available to spend time with children/young people. Many are retired and are seen as ‘grandparent’ figures. They have no agenda other than being available to offer support and a listening ear when it’s needed.
“As a single mum, Matua Barry (chaplain) provided a positive role model for my boys… and he was just the bestest!”
Sandra // Read more stories of impact
“For me, the change has been in the children as well as the parents through Lifewalk. Everyone is like a big family here now, and our chaplain is the driving force behind it.”
Justin // Read more stories of impact
It takes a village to raise a child
A chaplain can be another person within the ‘village’, helping to raise happy children in a variety of ways:
Individually - by taking time to engage with a young person, listen, and provide support.
Within an informal group setting - perhaps with peers who may be experiencing similar struggles, or within a structured programme which is facilitated by the chaplain (for example, the Seasons for Growth programme, which educates group participants on the effects of grief, change and loss, as well as aiding the development of coping skills), we have different approaches, recognising that every person is unique.
Working with your family as a whole - we are inclusive and available, and our chaplains are here to offer support to anyone within the school community.
“I have two of my grandchildren at this school and just love coming here. Our chaplain is very helpful – an ever-ready person. He helps us whenever we are in need. When we have our cooking classes he’s always there helping. He makes very tasty banana cakes! He’s really involved.”
Jamila // Read more stories of impact