Lifewalk Wellbeing Mentors provide extra support for your child
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“...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
Lifewalk Wellbeing Mentors/Chaplains - the extra care we all need sometimes
Most young people have times in their lives when they need some extra help and support. For parents, we understand how hard it can be to see your children struggle with life’s challenges.
A Lifewalk Wellbeing Mentor or Chaplain, can be a calm and caring person in your child’s life.
Lifewalk works with schools to provide a safe environment for your child. We encourage students to share the challenges they are facing and we help by being a non-judgemental listening ear, holding each student in unconditional positive regard.
Wellbeing Mentors/Chaplains are not trained counsellors; they are trained volunteers, many of whom are retired and are seen as ‘grandparent’ figures.
If there is something of a serious nature that is discussed, we are obligated to share this information with the school, the safety of the child is of the greatest importance.
“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 Lifewalk Wellbeing Mentor/Chaplain can be another person within the ‘village’, helping your child at school.
Each of our Wellbeing Mentors/Chaplains brings their own strengths, personality, care and heart to this role, engaging with children in their own unique way.
We can also offer schools the Seasons for Growth programme which helps children walk through grief and loss, equipping them with tools that they can use throughout their lives. Grief and loss isn’t always with regards to losing a loved one, sometimes it’s a family navigating divorce, or a change of location, the death of a family pet or other losses.
“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