Lifewalk chaplains provide extra support for your child
“
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 pair of hands we all need sometimes
There are times in most children/young people’s lives when they need some extra support around them. As parents, we understand how hard it can be to see our child struggle with life’s challenges.
Finding the right support from someone that has the time to talk and understand what’s really going on isn’t always easy. Lifewalk chaplains are here to help. A chaplain can be a steady and caring person in your and your child’s life and journey with them through these 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 are considered ‘friends of the school’ who simply make themselves available to spend time with children/young people. Many are retired and seen as ‘grandparent’ figures. They have no agenda other than being there to offer support when it’s needed.
“As a single mum, Matua Barry (chaplain) provides a positive role model for my boys… and he’s just the bestest!”
Sandra // Read more stories of impact
We are here for your whole whānau
A chaplain cares about your whole whānau. They can support families within the school to connect with services such as food banks, counselling services, and after-school groups.
They can also be a listening ear for parents who are experiencing difficulties and would benefit from talking to someone who is there to listen without judgement.
Lifewalk chaplains actively encourage family bonds and connection to your child’s whānau. We are trained to support every individual child’s cultural identity and spirituality.
“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’ to help in the raising of children, in a variety of ways:
Individually, taking time with a child/young person to listen and provide support.
In an informal group setting with peers who may be experiencing similar struggles, or within a structured programme which is facilitated by the chaplain, for instance, the Seasons for Growth programme, which educates group participants on the effects of grief, change and loss, and aids the development of coping skills.
Working with your family as a whole. We don’t exclude and are here to offer support to anyone within the school community who crosses our path.
“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