Kia ora koutou,
Happy new year. Well, what a start to the year so far, we on the East Coast have been hammered by severe storms, road closures, slips and a hurricane, just to top it all off. But, it just goes to show how tough we East Coasters are, families stick together, and we all helped each other out.
If you need caregiver support during this time, please contact your agency. If you do not have an agency, please call me (027 204 6908) or Caring Families Aotearoa (0800 693 323) for support.
James Uri
East Coast Regional Coordinator
027 204 6908
In our house we are looking forward to at least a few days of sun, this rain is becoming a bit annoying, being January and all.
See below about some upcoming events our amazing Regional Committee and I are organising for everyone. You are truly doing an amazing role in caring for those in your homes. We would like to have some fun with you all and appreciate all that you do…. so Save the dates!
School is just around the corner and it’s almost that time when kids start getting excited, anxious, happy, and scared about going back to school. So, we need to look for those little triggers to help support our tamariki, it’s important to keep them safe within all these emotional states. I’m here if you want to kōrero (talk) more about this.
SUPPORT
My days of work are Wednesday to Friday 9.00am – 2:30pm. I’m often away in my region for training and support so please ring me if you wish to pop in on 0272046908. Sometimes it’s good to just get on the phone and talk to someone and that’s what I’m here for. As a foster parent myself I really do understand. I’m new to the role, but the training they give us is top-notch, and my kete (basket) is filling up with lots of new information to share.
We are always interested in assisting members to connect and share their journeys together. If you feel you would like to start a caregiver group in your area, please contact me to help you get it up and running this year. Coffee groups are a great way to meet like-minded people, you can talk about the good things and the bad things, everything.
The Caring Families Aotearoa East Coast Support Closed Facebook Group is also a great way to connect with other caregivers in your area – if you are not yet part of this group and would like to join follow this link.
Just a reminder there is still time to apply for the School and Year Start-up Payment (closes 28 February) and the Extraordinary Care Fund (the next round of applications closes 17 February). More information about each of these Work and Income NZ entitlements can be found at School and Year Start-up Payment – Work and Income and Extraordinary Care Fund – Work and Income
TRAINING & LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
I would love to introduce a brand new training I will be presenting on the 15th March in Gisborne; Helping Children Feel Safe – providing structure & supervision. This workshop is full of strategies and tips to help you provide structure and supervision for tamariki in your care. Please go to our training calendar to find out more and register for this and our online training.
EVENTS
Foster Care Awareness Week is all about celebrating you – our wonderful caregivers. We will be holding the following events to celebrate all of you;
Hawkes Bay – 4th March – BBQ & games in Napier
Gisborne – 15th March – Appreciation Afternoon Tea
To find out more, or if you would like to attend an event, please click on the link below to our Foster Care Awareness Week page on our website and look for the East Coast Events.
Kind regards,
James