August 2024 Upper South Caregiver News

Kia ora e te whānau/ Greetings friends

I write this month with my caregiver hat on. It has been a topsy turvy month in my caregiving journey which will be a very familiar pathway to most caregivers!

I have enjoyed the camaraderie I get both personally and professionally in the support groups and events that we have had in recent months. I endeavour to continuously learn and do so even though I facilitate some of that learning in the workshops we attend. I, like you, also share the rollercoaster ride, and even though the holidays are a time to relax and enjoy extra time with tamariki, for me it has been a mixture of emotions and challenging behaviour.

We enjoyed some time away, but we had some personal and access challenges prior to our trip and navigating support (or lack of) for our young person. The challenges of navigating and getting mental health services for our young people with neurodiversity is exhausting. The empathy is apparent, the services not so accessible. For some, this is not the case and services are a godsend. I try to practice what I preach and be better at self-care, but that in itself is a challenge when the demand on ourselves as caregivers often leaves little time or energy to recharge our batteries. I know the importance of self-care, so I will keep at it.  

It is timely for me that our next workshop focus for the term is Difficult Behaviours (Managing Confrontation and Intimidating interactions). This will be available both face to face and online. There are a variety of subjects online and our popular Ako Ngatahi options are also available on the training calendar. Keep scrolling for details.

I am really looking forward to our National Conference, “Picking up the Pace” to be held in Christchurch in September. I am always rejuvenated by the quality of speakers and the variety of topics available, my biggest worry is always, what topics to choose! I know some of you in the upper south have already registered, but for others, if you can, you won’t be disappointed. Click here to learn more.  

Take care e te whānau, you are not alone and together we stand united.

Denise

Training

Difficult Behaviours: Managing confrontation and intimidating behaviours

• Blenheim Friday 23 August, 9.30am-1pm, click here to register

Heart of Healing Care: The beginning of therapeutic parenting

I will be facilitating this course, but there are other options as well. Please click the button below to view our full training calendar for the region.

• Online (over 2, 1.5 hour, sessions) 27 and 29 August, click here to register.

Events

L’Oréal for Youth, 9 & 10 October, formerly called Face Your Future, L’Oréal for Youth is an inspiring two-day camp for care-experienced rangatahi aged 16-18 years. There is still time to nominate your young person, find out more here.

We have also opened nominations for our Excellence in Foster Care Awards. Do you know an extraordinary caregiver in your community that deserves to be recognised for their incredible mahi? These awards are a highlight on our calendar, recognising those amazing caregivers out there, and they are hosted in collaboration with Barnardos, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Open Home Foundation and Kia Puāwai.

To nominate a caregiver today and find out more about the awards please click here.

Support

Remember we have our closed private Facebook page which can offer support. Please click here to register and also receive information about upcoming support group catch-ups, events and Training.