Kia ora koutou,
Well, we are on the home straight to the end of another year, give yourself a celebratory fist pump/high five/pat on the back for making it through 2022! This year has been a hectic one, yet, I have seen just how amazing (and persevering) you all are. I continue to be inspired by the warmth, patience and care you bring to some really challenging (and rewarding) spaces within your whānau. I hope, as you take a moment to look back over the last year, you can see some of the wins, however big or small, that have taken place for you and the tamariki or rangatahi in your care.
Christie McGiven
Auckland Regional Coordinator
0800 693 323
or 027 538 9691
The holidays can take an emotional toll on all of us and our children in care may feel an increased sense of grief, stress, or anxiety. They may pull away or withdraw over the holiday period, even when you are doing everything you can to help them through. This not a reflection on your ability as a Caregiver. Remember PACE – add in a little bit of fun to give everyone’s stressed brains a break (Playfulness), remember that it may be a tough/weird/sad time for them at the moment (Acceptance), have an ‘I wonder..’ about what they might be trying to say through their behaviour (Curiosity) and continue walking alongside them, with understanding, as they feel some big emotions (Empathy). And most importantly, be kind to yourself and don’t forget to hit pause and take a calming breath when you need it.
SUPPORT
If you’re in need of a chat and 1-1 support, feel free to get in touch. You can contact me on 027 538 9691 or auckland@caringfamilies.org.nz during Monday – Thursday (9am-5pm) up until the 22nd December.
Coffee Catch Up – Balmoral McDonalds
Join us for coffee and a chat between 10am and 12pm on Thursday 8 December for our last coffee for the year. As we may share food, please RSVP to me on 027 538 9691 or auckland@caringfamilies.org.nz by midday on 7 December.
JOIN OUR PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP
To join your Caring Families Aotearoa Auckland Support group on Facebook, click here. This is a closed group for caregivers only and is a great place to share ideas and support each other.
TRAINING
This month we have two workshops online – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and Difficult Behaviours. Click the button below for more information and to register.
I will also be delivering our Difficult Behaviours training face-to-face, over two evening sessions. This is a great opportunity for those of you who are unable to attend our daytime sessions. You can register through the button below.
Be sure to also take a look at the training schedule for 2023 (coming soon) to find a training that interests you.
EVENTS
We had a brilliant time at the Panmure and Henderson Family Fun Days in November, it was so great to be able to meet some of our incredible caregiver members with our Regional Committee. We have our last Family Fun Day in Glenfield on the 11th of December – tickets are sold out, so I am looking forward to seeing many of you there! You will find me in the orange Caring Families Aotearoa t-shirt, near our banner (or the sausage sizzle)!
There are plenty of Christmas events around Auckland this month, here are a few that are on my radar:
- Christmas Lights at MOTAT 2022 (under 5’s are free, there is a charge for others): Learn more HERE
- Te Atatu Peninsula Christmas Parade and Fun Day, Sat 3 December. Learn more HERE
- Ellerslie Santa Parade 2022 – Sun 4 December. Learn more HERE
Wishing you a safe and restful Christmas and New Year’s period. I look forward to connecting with you in 2023!
Tiaki i a koutou anō, look after yourselves!
Christie