About Us
We're here so you can be there: support for the supporters so nobody has to face the hard stuff alone
We provide practical, evidence-based tools for big chats about everyday stresses through to mental health struggles and suicide. Our goal is to help people feel confident to be there for each other when it matters the most.
At the heart of the platform is the Big Chats Burger®, a six-step framework covering how to recognise when someone might be struggling, start the chat, listen openly, think about next steps, all while looking after yourself, too. The framework has been developed drawing on therapeutic practices like Cognitive Behavioural Therapies and Motivational Interviewing, with a strengths-based and person-centred approach. It has been reviewed by independent experts across clinical practice, cultural safety for tangata whenua, accessibility, and takatāpui and rainbow communities.
Elle - Founder & General Manager
MSc (Psychology), BA(Hons)
Tēnā koutou. Nō Ingarangi ahau, engari kei Ōtautahi tōku kāinga ināianei. He Tangata Tiriti ahau. Ko Elle Cradwick tōku ingoa.
Kia ora! I’m Elle. My background is in psychology and youth mental health, with previous roles including national Helpline Manager at Youthline, Portfolio Co-ordinator at Aoake te Rā, and as a Suicide Prevention & Postvention Co-ordinator. Big Chats was born from a gap I saw both personally and professionally, and I'm stoked to work alongside awesome people to bring it to life. I am big on art, music, mountains, love a bad pun, and love being in the middle of a crowd at a music festival.
Arden - Operations Co-ordinator
BSc(Hons, First Class) in Psychology
No Airani ōku tūpuna. I tipu ake au i Ahitereiria, ā, kei Ōtautahi au e noho ana ināianei. Ko Arden Ongley tōku ingoa.
After finishing work as a ski instructor in Canada and Japan, I’m now studying toward a Masters in Psychology, researching the well-being and mental health outcomes of seasonal workers in the ski industry. I have previously held roles as a counsellor, mentor and education facilitator at Youthline and have completed pastoral care work for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Christchurch, The Kind Foundation and College House. Working for Big Chats inspires me as we aim to make a positive difference in Aotearoa/New Zealand by upskilling people on how to better support others and themeselves when talking about mental health. Outside of mahi, I love doing anything active in nature and playing or listening to music.
Cheyenne - Pou Ahurea
PhD candidate (Psychology), PgDipSc (Child & Family Psychology), Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
Ko Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Ngāi Te Rangi ōku iwi. Nō Te Tai Tokerau ahau. Ko Cheyenne Scown tōku ingoa.
I’m a Kaupapa Māori researcher, evaluator and educator with experience across Māori health and wellbeing, mental health, social services, and research alongside whānau and rangatahi. In the Pou Ahurea role at Big Chats, I bring a perspective grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori aspirations to support the organisation's governance, policy and decision-making. Beyond mahi, you might find me watching a detective show, camping with my husband, playing video games or out on my bike on the cycleways. I believe that the kaupapa behind Big Chats is so important. I feel fortunate to contribute to mahi that supports people to have kōrero that may be difficult but can make a real difference.
Support Us
Big Chats is free so that everyone can use it. If you've found this site helpful, please consider donating so we can keep building tools to help people show up for each other!
Matt - Board Chair
MEd (Counselling), MNZAC, BCom
Kia ora, I'm Matt. My tūpuna came to Aotearoa in the 1840s and settled in Ōtautahi (Christchurch). I've worked as a counsellor and disability advisor for over a decade, and I'm a registered member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. I bring governance experience from my time as Chair and President of CanTeen New Zealand, and was a finalist for Young New Zealander of the Year in 2010. I have a strong foundation in te ao Māori, and my lived experience of disability strongly shapes how I lead.
Jamie - Treasurer
Chartered Accountant, BCom
Kia ora, I'm Jamie. I was born and raised in Southland, and I'm a Chartered Accountant and Director at Prosser Quirke in Rangiora, with over 15 years' experience specialising in both the commercial and agricultural sectors. As Treasurer, I oversee Big Chats' financial reporting and sustainability. I strongly believe in the importance of Big Chats and this work is close to my heart. Outside of work I am a big American Football fan, enjoy social sports and the lifestyle North Canterbury has to offer.
Ian - Trustee
B.Soc.Sci, Grad Dip Marketing Management, FRANZ
Kia ora, I'm Ian. I'm a Director at Coeus Consulting, with a 30+ year career in research, strategy, and data-driven decision-making. I've built experience in stakeholder engagement, communications, and fundraising across a wide range of industries. I'm passionate about using insights to help organisations better serve their communities, and bring this expertise to Big Chats to help us better meet the needs of the audience. My governance background includes Chair and Board roles at AMRO and RANZ over many years.
Erin - Trustee
BA, Dip. Film & Television Production
Kia ora, I'm Erin. I'm a marketing and communications leader with over 15 years' experience across media, not-for-profit, and commercial sectors. I currently work as Marketing & Communications Manager at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo and was previously at Save the Kiwi. I enjoy translating complex ideas into clear, engaging communication. I’m proud to support Big Chats and its commitment to giving everyday people access to genuinely helpful mental health support.
Caleb - Trustee
LLB, BA (Psychology & Philosophy)
Kia ora, I'm Caleb. I'm a Solicitor with a background spanning law and the charities sector, including roles with the University of Canterbury Students' Association and 180 Degrees Consulting Canterbury. I am passionate about the mental health space, and am incredibly excited to be a part of Big Chats. People reaching out and being there for each other is such a special cause, and one I want to contribute to in any way I can. Outside of mahi, sports and music are my biggest passions. I have a silly amount of vinyl, and will watch any sports games that I can get my hands on.
