This Grant for Good is helping Hannah Watson support her local rangatahi, as she transitions from high-school teacher to school counsellor.
After more than a decade in New Zealand classrooms, high school teacher Hannah Watson has witnessed firsthand how mental health challenges can derail a young person’s education and future. Now, thanks to a HealthCarePlus Grant for Good, she’s taking her passion for student wellbeing to the next level by training to become a school counsellor.
“Every day, I see how wellbeing (or a lack of it) affects learning, attendance and behaviour,” says Hannah. “Working closely with rangatahi and seeing how much they carry every day – anxiety, trauma, stress – made it clear to me how important wellbeing is to learning and life.”
The turning point for Hannah came through those precious one-on-one moments that every teacher treasures.
“Some of the most meaningful moments I’ve had as a teacher have come from conversations when a student felt safe enough to open up,” she reflects. “I wanted to grow my skills so I can better support students in those moments.”
Hannah’s decision to pursue postgraduate counselling studies wasn’t just professional – it was deeply personal. Her own experience receiving counselling during a difficult period revealed the transformative power of having someone truly listen.
“It showed me how life-changing it can be, and I want to offer that kind of support to others," she says.
When a friend shared the HealthCarePlus Grant for Good opportunity, Hannah knew it was perfect timing. As both a PPTA and HealthCarePlus member, the alignment felt natural. “It felt like a good fit, and the grant aligned with what I’m hoping to achieve,” she says.
The application process exceeded her expectations.
“It was easy to follow, and the communication was kind and clear,” Hannah recalls. “It felt like there was genuine care for what I was doing, and that they truly wanted to help.”
The financial support proved invaluable during an intense year of juggling work and study. But beyond the practical help, the grant provided something equally important: validation.
“It made me feel supported, that someone believed in what I was doing and was willing to back me,” Hannah says.
For Hannah, this grant represents her ability to be present for young people when they need it most. “Mental health has a huge impact on how young people see themselves and how they engage with school,” she explains. “I want to become a fully qualified school counsellor who helps young people feel heard, supported and empowered.”
Her vision extends to creating meaningful access to support. “It will give more students access to a trusted adult who listens without judgement, helps them make sense of what they’re going through, and supports them to develop strategies for coping in tough moments.”
To others considering applying for grants, Hannah’s advice is simple:
“If you’re doing something that contributes to others and you believe in it, you should apply!” Her tip for applicants? “Be clear about what you’re doing, what you need, and why it matters.”
Hannah’s journey from teacher to counsellor-in-training embodies the spirit of HealthCarePlus’s Grant for Good programme, which supports individuals who are committed to making a genuine difference in their communities. Through her future work, countless young people will benefit from having someone who truly understands their challenges and is equipped to help them navigate life’s difficult moments.
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