Kia ora everyone
What a month August was; and the weather events we survived! I know some don’t go in for climate change but I have to say… Aotearoa (and the rest of the world) is experiencing some extreme weather events. Our backyard is sodden… just as well we don’t live on a hill or are at the bottom of one. I feel for those of you that have some major work to do around your home due to the effects of all the rain we’ve had.
September is looking like a busy month. We have our Keeping PACE National Conference – see below for more information, Face Your Future two day camp for youth coming up later in the month, as well as FASD Awareness Month for Aotearoa, and Te Wiki o te Reo, Māori Language Week from the 12th of September. Check out their websites for lots of helpful information, resources, activities and events you can get involved with.
I hope to be able to keep you in the loop with what is happening for these via our region’s Facebook group.
Stephanie James-Sadler
National Support Manager
0800 693 323
Finally, this month we have the opportunity to highlight and celebrate the amazing men we lovingly refer to as “DAD”. I would like to acknowledge all our caregiver Dads. The gift you give of father figure, role model and “nominated taxi driver” does not go unnoticed. Without you our children would not learn the wonderous qualities that make men loving, caring, reliable Dads. I acknowledge you not just for Father’s Day but every day.
Here is some feedback:
”Thank you for doing what you’re doing. You are loving in some of the hardest and deepest and most complicated places. Places most men go to great lengths to avoid. Yet you, with arms open and hearts broken, have courageously stepped towards them for the sake of others. That is so counterintuitive, remarkable and beautiful.”
“Thank you for wanting to make a difference in a child’s life and for being a safety net during challenging times. Your impact on the lives of our tamariki is immeasurable. We appreciate you.”
Training
In September we are running three online training sessions, so you can learn from the comfort of your home;
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Online Training (FASD)
Ako Ngātahi Learning Together ‘Parenting in a Healing Way’
Difficult Behaviours – Managing Confrontation & Intimidating Interactions
To find out more about these sessions and register please click here
SUPPORT
You are all welcome to join Rob Surtees, Therapist, Caring Families Aotearoa for a catch up on Thursday 15 September from 10am to 12 noon in the upstairs lounge at the Salvation Army Building on at 250 Columbo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch.
This is an opportunity for Caregivers to get together, support each other, catch up on news from National Office and talk about advocacy needs for the caregiving sector in general. This meeting is open to all Caregivers of children not born to them.
Please register here.
If there are other items for our agenda please contact Rob on robs@caringfamilies.org.nz
Christchurch West Caregiver Support Group
Tuesday 6th September, 10am – 12noon
Two of our wonderful caregivers in Christchurch West, Bonny and Sytske, have been running a caregiving suppport group for three years. They are always open to newcomers to join their happy, wee group. The group is held at Sytske’s house, 1/1132 West Coast Road. (Please call 027 603 5064 if you need directions.)
If you would like to attend please rsvp by Sunday 4th September to bonbazstephens@gmail.com or sytskenz@gmail.com
National Conference:
Our National Conference is only 3 weeks away! You really dont want to miss out hearing from our international motivational speakers, attend workshops and connect with other caregivers from around the country. Click below for more information or to register.
He Aroha whakatō, he aroha puta mai. If kindness is sown, then kindness you shall receive.
Stephanie