Tēnā koutou ngā Kaimanaaki katoa (Warm acknowledgements to all you caregivers)       

As the year seems to pass by swiftly, with just seven weeks remaining until Christmas, I’m reflecting on the meaningful encounters I had during my recent October trip. From Oamaru to Southland and everywhere in between, I had the privilege of reconnecting with you, our caregivers.  Additionally, I engaged in hui with various community agencies and emerging initiatives, united in their mission to assist with the well-being of tamariki (children) and rangatahi (youth).

It’s good to see more of you connect with Caring Families Aotearoa and I’m privileged to help our presence grow stronger, marked by the addition of over 40 new Caregiver members in recent months!

While there’s much ground to cover, I want each of you to recognise that you are acknowledged and valued. Please continue to reach out if you require support, advocacy, or training.

Lower South Regional Hui

The Lower South Regional Hui was an absolute blast, and I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined us! The atmosphere was filled with laughter, and it was truly wonderful to connect with our caregiving community. When our keynote speaker, Tuihana Ohia, walked in, she immediately felt an incredible sense of aroha in the room.

I’d like to take this moment to express my gratitude to our guest speakers: Rory & Emma from the Ombudsman Office, Tayla Taylor & Amelia Rivers from VOYCE-Whakarongo Mai, Hagar Ozri the Organic Cook, and the amazing Tuihana Ohia from Woo Wellbeing. A special thanks goes to Events on Stafford (The Petridish) for their exceptional hosting and delectable kai. Lastly, a heartfelt appreciation to the Otago Community Trust for their invaluable contribution to the day’s success.

Some of the Feedback we received;

“Great day, really well balanced & caring”

“Thank you so much for the invite Jared, your organisation feels like it is the missing link in Dunedin.  I will be connecting again. It’s been a real privilege to be here.”

“I am a very anxious person, however I felt so safe, in the space with my fellow Caregivers. You made everyone feel so welcome and heard, this is the change we need in our community! The guest speakers exceeded expectations, GREAT variety”.

“This was the only respite, I have had all year, and doing the workshop with Tuihana, made me realise that I need to start looking after myself more. She did it in such a relaxed and fun way.”

FAMILY FUN DAYS

Laughter and excitement echoed as the tamariki splashed and played during the Family Fun Days in Dunedin, Invercargill, and Queenstown. It brought immense joy to meet and interact with each one of your children. If you have any feedback you would like to share about the family fun day please click the button below to fill out our short online feedback form.

training

Face to Face training sessions for 2023 have concluded! But fear not, I’ll be returning next year with exciting NEW training. In the meantime, be sure to take the leap and register for our online training sessions.

Events

Oranga Tamariki Dunedin (Care team) Christmas Party

• Date: Tuesday, 5th of December, 4:00pm-7:00pm
• Location: Northeast Valley Normal School, 248 North Road, Dunedin

All are welcome to this year’s Christmas party, regardless of your agency affiliation or permanency status. Come and join fellow caregivers for a day filled with activities, a delicious sausage sizzle, indulgent ice cream, and so much more! RSVPs will open in December.

Dunedin Community Fun Day

Hosted in collaboration with Foster Hope, VOYCE and Oranga Tamariki Dunedin

• Date: Saturday, 20th of January, 12:00PM-3:00PM
• Location: Marlow Park,  St Clair, Dunedin 9013

Get ready to kick off the New Year with a blast! Join us for a day of thrilling activities for the entire whānau, courtesy of VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai. Plus, Foster Hope Otago/Southland is generously offering back to school backpacks and supplies for all tamariki, ensuring they start the year off right. To add to the excitement, caregivers will be treated to rejuvenating massages courtesy of Oranga Tamariki Dunedin, and kai will be provided by Caring Families Aotearoa. It’s going to be an absolutely banger of an event! RSVP’s will open in December.

Invercargill Community Fun Day

Hosted in collaboration with Foster Hope, VOYCE and Oranga Tamariki Invercargill

• Date: Sunday 21st January 2024, 12:00PM-3:00PM
• Location: Makarewa School, 56 Flora Road East, RD 6, Invercargill, 9876

Get ready to ring in the New Year with a bang! Join us for an exhilarating day of activities and a refreshing swim for the whole family. Foster Hope Otago/Southlands is kindly offering Back to School Backpacks and supplies for all children, ensuring they kickstart the year off on the right foot. And that’s not all! Caregivers will be treated to a coffee courtesy of Oranga Tamariki Invercargill, and scrumptious food will be provided by Caring Families Aotearoa, along with delectable ice cream from Foster Hope. Outdoor games are provided by VOYCE- Whakarongo Mai.  This event promises to be an absolute blast! Keep an eye out for RSVPs opening in December.

Support

After participating in the support/connection groups during my October trip, I feel compelled to give a huge shoutout to our group ‘Support Liaisons’! Their dedication to connecting our community together during their free time, is a vital factor in the success of our expanding network. Andrea, Amanda, Sally, Rose, and Tracey serve as exceptional ambassadors for Caring Families Aotearoa. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them. They’re truly doing an incredible job!

Dunedin Support Group

• Group contact: Andrea
• Next Meeting: 16th November
• RSVP to faulksfamily@xtra.co.nz for information on time and venue

Central Otago Support Group

• Group Contact: Tracey
• Next Meeting: No more meetings this year, see you in 2024
• Email: thecanningclan@gmail.com to be informed when the first meeting will be in 2024.

Southland Coffee & Cake

• Group Contact: Rose
• Next Meeting: Our next meeting will be in 2024. Have a Merry Christmas and safe New Year. If you would like to still join our group please email; jeffnroserhind@gmail.com, and I will email you when the next support meeting will be.

Queenstown Support Group

• Group Contact: Sally
• Next Meeting: Our next meeting will be in 2024, please reach out if you would like to join and email me at sallydanks@xtra.co.nz

Additionally, if you’re seeking virtual support and wish to be a part of our broader Lower South community, be sure to join our private Lower South Facebook Support Group (button below). In 2024, I’ll be focusing on hosting virtual Q&A sessions via the page. Stay tuned for updates!

Tiaki i a koutou anō, look after yourselves!

Jared