Join Lifewalk
We know what we do makes a difference. If you want to be a part of that, we’d love to hear from you!
There is a growing need for chaplains and we need your help to support our schools in Aotearoa!
If you enjoy children and young people, and have a spare 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. As you probably know, life can bring many challenges for our tamariki and rangitahi. If they have a positive connection with a trusted adult, they can grow in maiatanga (potential) and in mana. 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, as concerning statistics continue to be reported. Schools are very busy places and needs can be huge. We can share the load to support our communities.
Lifewalk supports over 250 chaplains in schools all over Aotearoa. Right now, there is more demand for chaplains than we can provide. We need the help of people like you to meet that need and come alongside whānau and students to support their well-being.
*Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy 2019 - page 11.
A day in the life of a Chaplain
When you’re a chaplain, every day can look different. The most important thing you can do is be available and ready to help with whatever you can. A chaplain can:
Provide one on one support for students, teachers and parents connected to the school community
Facilitate group programmes
Connect with parents and whānau in practical ways
Be available to help in classrooms or at school events, camps, assembly, school crossings etc.
Here is an example that comes straight from a chaplain who has been working in Ōtāhuhu for the past few 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
Arrive at School and sign in.
Bell rings for lunch and I walk around the school saying ‘hi’ to the kids and sometimes I might join in their games. During lunch, I like to look for students who might be alone and go over and see how their day is going and if they would like to join me and play along. I use this time to say ‘hello’ to the teachers on duty and walk with them.
1:00pm
I head to the staff room to say ‘hello’ to the teachers there and spend some time with them. This is the time teachers can refer any students to me or they might request some extra help in their class. Sometimes, they just need someone to talk to as well.
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 all ready to go. I let the kids decide whether they want to use the break-out space, walk around the school or sit under one of the trees.
2:30pm
I use this time to go and assist any teachers who might need some extra help in class as the day draws near to an end.
3:00pm
If I am not helping a teacher in their classroom, I like to go and stand at the crossing and say good bye to the kids. It’s a great chance to catch up with parents too.
“
John Davison
I’m thankful for the privilege of assisting in the classroom, going on school trips and camps, being invited to participate in pōwhiri for new school families and sometimes be beaten at chess by a year seven student. There have also been times with staff and parents who needed some gentle encouragement or someone to listen.
Chaplain in Waikato.
“
Raewyn Moodie
I chat with children every week about their worries and concerns but also get to talk to teachers and support them through hard times as well. I have connected several families with food parcels when their families were going through hard times.
Chaplain in Auckland
The journey toward chaplaincy
Chaplaincy is a gift to both the local school and our chaplains. It’s a real privilege to come along side those who need a listening ear, and our chaplains are in there for the long-haul. This is a breakdown of the steps to becoming a Lifewalk chaplain.
You let us know you’re interested in becoming a chaplain via our contact page
We touch base with you and send through our application forms. (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.)
We touch base with your referees and learn a bit more about you
You meet with one of our Lifewalk representatives for an interview
Successfully complete the C.A.R.E Chaplaincy Training Course
Placement within a school. This process is managed by Lifewalk to ensure the right fit between you and the school. Sometimes placement is not an immediate event
Once you’re placed in a school
Attend five supervision meetings each year
Attend two professional development workshops each year
Help us support students and whānau in our schools. Start your Lifewalk journey today!
Keen to support the work but can’t volunteer just yet? You can always donate and support our work!
