Kia ora koutou,

It’s safe to say this month has been another challenging one as we are still dealing with the aftermath of the cyclone. I’m especially thinking of caregivers in the Wairoa and Gisborne areas, as I know you have been particularly isolated. Our community will be feeling the effects for weeks to come as we work through the messy clean up, so let’s all rally around our family, friends, and neighbours, to help each other get through it.

Did any of you go to the Watties Hawke’s Bay Family Day on the 19th? It was a wonderful free event to help lift the spirits of our community after everything we’ve been through. I took some of my tamariki along to enjoy the bouncy castles and live music. It was jam packed, but a great day out.

We also had Foster Care Awareness Week in March. I hope you all took some time, even if it was only five minutes, to celebrate yourselves and the wonderful mahi you do! It was a shame we had to postpone the events we had planned for the East Coast, as I would have loved the chance to connect with you all face to face. I’m looking forward to being able to host these events later, once our community is a bit more settled. Details will be posted on our website and private Facebook group, so keep your eyes peeled.

SUPPORT

Caring Families Aotearoa’s Therapist, Rob Surtees, and I will be holding a support group in Hawke’s Bay on Thursday 6th April. We’re looking forward to re-establishing support groups in the region, especially at a time when it’s needed more than ever.

Date: Thursday 6th April 2023
Time: 10.30 am
Venue: Te Awa School, Te Awa Avenue, Napier 

Everyone is welcome. Please RSVP by emailing enquiries@caringfamilies.org.nz and include your name, contact number, and the number of people who will be attending.

If you can’t make it to the meeting, remember I’m always here for over the phone support too. My hours are Wednesday to Friday, 9:00am – 2:30pm, so please get in touch if you need to talk. My number is 027 204 6908.

Don’t forget our Private Facebook Group for support. This group is only open to our caregiver members, so you have the freedom to air your thoughts without judgement. Everyone in the group gets what you’re going through.  Click below to join.

TRAINING & LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Our Training Calendar will go live in early April, and we will notify you via email and our Facebook page. Remember we have online and face-to-face options to fit into your busy lives.

Noho Marino, Noho Hono / Stay Calm, Stay Connected

James