Canterbury Regional Coordinator
Lisa Watson
03 470 1277 / 027 501 0005
Kia ora Caring Families Aotearoa Canterbury!
I am thrilled to be introducing myself as the new Canterbury Regional Coordinator for Caring Families Aotearoa. I came onboard at the perfect time; I was fortunate enough to attend the Ōtautahi Christchurch Caring Families Aotearoa Conference in September: Picking Up The Pace. I am sure those of you who attended or have attended the conference in the past can relate to how thrilled I was to be able to attend this amazing event. It was a brilliant introduction to the Caring Families Aotearoa whānau and left me buzzing to join the mahi. It was great to meet some of you and connect with the Canterbury Regional Committee who I am excited to be meeting with this month. I will also be attending some of the support groups over the coming weeks to be able to connect with and meet as many of you as possible.
A special thank you to Denise, our Upper South Regional Coordinator who I’m sure you are familiar with. Denise spent a week with me in Ōtautahi inducting me into the role and I am grateful for her knowledge and support. As I settle into my new role, I am fortunate enough to have the experience of the others in the Caring Families Aotearoa whānau to guide me.
A little about me…. I was born and raised in Ōtautahi but now reside in Rangiora, North Canterbury with my partner Neil, son Lachlan and our two crazy dogs!
I came into this role from the education sector with a primary focus on early childhood development and the importance of relational based connections. As a Mum of a child who is Neurodivergent, I have a personal connection with supporting whānau who care for children with diverse needs.
Good In The Hood
A massive thank you to Z Petrol stations who supported us to raise money for Caring Families Aotearoa. Denise and I dropped into Curletts Rd to receive our certificate and thank them for choosing to support us!
Thank you to our wonderful regional committee in Canterbury for also volunteering and showing our brand at Good in the Hood sites. Their help went along way to making sure we did well in the Good in the Hood fundraising.
Training
13th November: Face to Face Training- Helping Children Feel Safe:
Our tamariki come to us with all sorts of vulnerabilities. For some, their emotional age can be very different from their actual age and may change daily as stress levels fluctuate. You will be encouraged to reflect on the structure and supervision that you currently provide to your tamariki. This workshop will support you in connecting with your tamariki to establish structure and supervision ensuring they feel secure.
To register for this training please click below and checkout the other online trainings available over November and December.
EVENTS
Family Fun Days!
Christchurch: 16th November 11.30-6.30pm at Te Hapua Halswell Pool
Get your ticket by registering online Family Fun Days – Caring Families
Please make sure to come say hello and grab some goodies from me!
Christmas is just around the corner…. watch this space!!!
SUPPORT
Canterbury has a variety of support/coffee groups that are always keen to welcome new caregivers. If you would like to connect with a group or haven’t attended for a while, make sure to check our Canterbury Facebook page or contact me supportsouth@caringfamilies.org.nz for more information. These groups are a great way to engage with others in your community who are on their caregiving journey!
Are you a male caregiver? Or, if you are reading this and have a man in your life who could do with some support, the Canterbury Men’s Group welcome members to become a part of this support group. I’ve been told if you like good food, good beer and banter, then come join Greg and the men who will be meeting up in the coming months, date to be confirmed. Please feel welcome to contact Greg directly for more details- gregcurtis66@gmail.com or keep an eye on our Facebook page.
North Canterbury Caregivers Catch Up
Thursday 5th December
Shared lunch, please bring a plate
Debbie’s Place- 3 Ferguson Ave, Waipara
North Canterbury- Rangiora Support Group
Wednesday 27th November 7pm
Rangiora Coffee Culture
Email Lisa for more information: supportsouth@caringfamilies.org.nz
Ashburton Caregiver Catch Up
Community BBQ each Friday night
5pm at Friedlander Park (Oxford Street)
Run all through spring/summer, the children have a lot of fun & some real connections are built …all are welcome & the group would love to see you there! Any questions please feel welcome to connect with Jarrod jarrodnoelclaydon@yahoo.co.nz
Christchurch West Caregiver Support Group
Meets the first Tuesday of each month. Next meeting: Tuesday 5th November
10-12pm at 1/1132 West Coast RD, Westmelton.
Eastside Whānau & Foster Care Support Group
Come join our Christmas catchup at the Garden Restaurant, Marshlands Rd.
14th December- Time TBC
For more information please feel welcome to contact Pauline denis.pauline@xtra.co.nz