Hello everybody,

It’s already February 2024! Crazy how time flies when it’s summer and we all are living outside, more or less!

I hope you enjoyed the festive season. I need to say I love Christmas, hanging out with family and friends and eating just way too much. What could be better!

As many of you know I am originally from Berlin, Germany. But did you know that we Germans celebrate three days of Christmas? Yes, three days of festive traditions, family and food. We celebrate Christmas on the 24th in the afternoon/early evening with our close family, eat potato salad and of course, sausages. On the 25th and 26th we celebrate with the whole family, all the grandparents, cousins, aunty’s and uncle’s come together.

It’s awesome to be back working with everyone, all refreshed for the new year. I can’t believe I’ve already worked with all of you wonderful caregivers for a whole year.

I can’t wait to get to know you all a little more, maybe at one of our support groups or next events. See you there!

Caroline

A word from Jared

Greetings to both new and familiar members,

I extend a warm welcome as we embark on a new year together. I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to support each one of you throughout 2024. I trust that you had a rejuvenating and safe holiday season. Personally, I spent an amazing holiday with my whānau and embarked on a two-week road trip around the North Island. While the experiences were enriching, there’s truly nothing quite like the comfort of home.

Please remember, I am here for you. If you find yourself in need of assistance to navigate and enhance your caregiver experience, do not hesitate to reach out. You can contact me at southsupport@caringfamilies.org or call me at 027 501 0392.

Looking forward to connecting and supporting you on this journey.

Training

Online

I am excited to bring to you online the ‘Ako Ngātahi (Learning Together) – Healing Kids in Care’ trauma-informed training.

Jared will be doing Ako Ngātahi (Learning Together) – Shield Against Shame as well as Family Dynamics – Torn Loyalties online.

Whether you’re on the go or seeking a broader perspective, online learning is a fantastic opportunity for flexible and accessible learning for caregivers from across New Zealand.

• 21st Feb 2024 – 7.30pm-8.30pm – Ako Ngātahi (Learning Together) – Shield Against Shame. REGISTER HERE.

• 11th Mar 2024 – 11.00am-12.00pm – Ako Ngātahi (Learning Together) – Healing Kids in Care. REGISTER HERE.
• 19th & 21st Mar – 7.30am-9.00pm -Family Dynamics (Torn Loyalties). REGISTER HERE.

Face to Face

Exciting Professional Training Event in Christchurch!

Tell your Social workers to mark their calendars for March 12, 2024, because we’re thrilled to bring you an exclusive training opportunity for professionals! Make sure to inform your social worker and encourage them to sign up for this invaluable training

Join Rob Surtees and Jared Paranihi from Caring Families Aotearoa as they introduce Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) and the PACE attitude (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy – proven models of practice that Caring Families Aotearoa has successfully utilized and evaluated over the past four years.

This workshop is designed to empower social workers with the knowledge and skills to seamlessly integrate these models into their daily interactions, fostering a therapeutic approach. We believe in a full wrap-around service where everyone is on the same page, ensuring a collaborative effort to create safe and supportive placements for tamariki and rangatahi.

Don’t let your social worker miss out on this fantastic opportunity! Ask your social worker to register by emailing Dagmar at dagmarc@caringfamilies.org.nz.

We are also delivering ‘Helping Children Feel Safe’ face to face in our region;

This workshop will support you in connecting with your tamariki to establish structure and supervision ensuring they feel secure.

In Ashburton with Caroline:

• Monday, 12th February from 9:30am to 1:30pm in Ashburton Event Centre (211a Wills Street, Ashburton  Canterbury  7700) – for more information and to book, CLICK HERE.

In Christchurch with Jared:

• Monday, 12th February from 5:30pm to 9:00pm in the Sydenham Salvation Army, 250 Colombo Street, Christchurch (light dinner provided) for more information and to book, CLICK HERE.

After the training, we will have time to catch up as well.  We are looking forward to seeing you there.

More information about all our training can be found on our new Training pages on our website.

Events

Mark your calendars again for Foster Care Awareness Week!!!!

Foster Care Awareness Week is an annual celebration held every March. It’s a special week that is all about celebrating YOU; our wonderful caregiver members! Please see below the events we have in our region.

• Waikuku: Lunch on us, Friday 1st March
• Christchurch: Pamper and Pudding, Tuesday 5th March
• Ashburton: Dinner on us, Friday 8th March
• Timaru: Coffee and Dessert, Saturday 9th March

To find out more and register, click below.

Support Groups

North Canterbury Support Group

• • Group contact: Deb
  • Next Meeting: 21st February at 11.00am, 3 Ferguson Ave, Waipara
  • RSVP: debbiecurtis1965@gmail.com

Christchurch West Support Group

• • Group Contact: Bonny
  • Next Meeting: 13th February at 10.00am at 1/1132 West Coast Rd, West Melton
  • RSVP: bonbazstephens@gmail.com

Christchurch North Coffee Group

• • Group contact: Susie
  • Next Meeting: 05th March at 7.30pm-9.30pm at NorthLink Coffee Culture
  • RSVP: mrandmrs.bell@hotmail.com.

Eastside Whānau and Foster Care Support Group

• • Group contact: Pauline
  • Next Meeting: 15th February at 11am at 61 Kuaka cresent Bromley.
  • Please bring a plate to share. RVSP to Pauline at denis.pauline@xtra.co.nz

Christchurch South Kaitiaki

• • Group contact: Nicole
  • Next Meeting: 21st February at 7.00pm at Coffee Culture Beckham
  • RSVP: mcleanicole@gmail.com

Canterbury Men’s Group (with Special Guest – Rob Surtees, therapist)

• • Group contact: Greg
  • Next Meeting: 12th March at 6:30pm at the Bealey Ale & Steakhouse, 263. Bealey Avenue, Christchurch Central City, come down for a meal and chat,
  • RSVP: gregcurtis66@gmail.com

Whānau Kin Support Group (NEW)

• • Group contact: Jared
  • Next Meeting: 15th March at 6:30pm, we welcome you to join us at Level 1, 250 Colombo Street, Sydenham. This group is open to all whānau/kin caregivers, providing a safe and supportive space for open discussions about the needs within our community. Please bring a plate to share.
  • RSVP: Jared at southsupport@caringfamilies.org.nz.

NEW – Ashburton get-together

Group contact: Caroline

Next Meeting: 10th February at 11:30am at 537 Hinds Highway, Winslow 7775.

Bring a plate and your kids along for a relaxed family BBQ. I’ll be bringing a traditional German potato salad for everyone to enjoy. Please RSVP to me at supportsouth@caringfamilies.org.nz and let me know what you are planning to bring for food so there are no double-ups.

This is a one off get together, but if there is interest in continuing a regular get together in the Ashburton region, please come along and we can chat about what this might look like. See you there!

Timaru

A support group meeting is coming. Please keep a look out on our website for more information or on our Facebook group.

With many thanks,

Caroline