Kia ora everyone,
Christmas is nearly upon us – where has the year gone?! And what a strange year it has been for us all – bring on a healthy, peaceful, and productive 2021.
I have been reading some interesting articles about Covid-19 stress and increased mental health issues, so just a reminder to reach out if you need help, for yourself or any tamariki or rangatahi in your care.
Support groups have been an area that we have found challenging this year – I have so much appreciation to those who have been able to run them, despite everything going on. If you would like to know more about them, or are interested in starting one in your area for 2021, please give us a call so we can support you with that. There is more information about support groups here: https://www.caringfamilies.org.nz/support-groups/
Bernadette Jones
Lower North RC
027 501 0394
The holidays are looming – if you’re able and can, maybe you could think about and enrolling in school holiday programs if you need them (respite). Check out your local Council or schools and churches for what’s running in your area. Don’t forget to post any helpful links on our Facebook group – Caring Families Aotearoa Lower North Support.
Have a great month everyone. I hope you get to spend time with loved ones and enjoy the silly season. I’ll be on leave the same dates as our National Office close-down period. It will be closed from 24th December – 10th January.
Meri Kirihimete / Merry Christmas, thank you for all you do for our Tamariki in care.
Noho ora mai koe i roto i ngā manaakitanga katoa (May you remain well in every way)
Bernadette
Training
The NCTP training team will be back into the swing of things in February. We have exciting opportunities for you and will be kicking off the year with more online courses, as well as weekend and evening training options in Term 1. We hope to add Legal Information for Caregivers and Identity & Belonging to our online selection. We will also be offering our Keeping Memories and Understanding the National Care Standards courses online again.
Check out our training calendar here. Courses will go live on the 18th of December.
Support Groups
FASD Lower North Support Group
This Support Group is made up of carers and professionals and aims to meet monthly. For more information, please contact Leigh Henderson – leigh.henderson@fasd-can.org.nz OR Bernadette Jones – bernadettej@caringfamilies.
Have you joined our closed Facebook Group?
As a member of Caring Families Aotearoa you have exclusive access to our CLOSED Facebook groups. These are only open to caregivers that are members of Caring Families Aotearoa. This allows our members a platform to seek support, information and resources.
Click the link below to join!
Lower North Support Closed Facebook Group