Kia ora koutou/ Hi everyone,
Well haven’t we all experienced a very challenging time with our weather. My thoughts are with everyone that has been affected and will continue to be for a wee time to come. There have been cancellations and postponements, particularly for training in Blenheim. I will get there as soon as it is safe to travel. Please make use of the coffee and support groups when able to. You may be the one that is able to offer support to those around you.
I’m looking forward to some sunny spring days and no school disruptions!
Take care whānau and look out for each other.
Denise Green
Upper South Regional Coordinator
03 929 6578 or 027 369 3333
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jennie and Stephen Teece for being part of our Regional planning committee for the last 4 years! They have helped us plan events and run our Christmas events. Life is busy with their young family and it is now time to hand over the reins. Thank you team, I know that we will continue to see you at our get togethers, I appreciate all your help.
On that note we welcome Cara Rangi to the Regional committee and look forward to working together to continue the lovely events that are put together for our Te Tauihu/UpperSouth region. Also currently on our committee is Barbara Jones (Marlborough), Amy Brinkman, Sharon Norriss (Nelson) Bev Bade (West Coast).
September is looking like a busy month. We have our Keeping PACE National Conference – see below for more information, Face Your Future two day camp for youth coming up later in the month, as well as FASD Awareness Month for Aotearoa, and Te Wiki o te Reo, Māori Language Week from the 12th of September. Check out their websites for lots of helpful information, resources, activities and events you can get involved with.
This month we have the opportunity to highlight and celebrate the amazing men we lovingly refer to as “DAD”. I would like to acknowledge all our caregiver Dads. The gift you give of father figure, role model and “nominated taxi driver” does not go unnoticed. Without you our children would not learn the wonderous qualities that make men loving, caring reliable Dads. I acknowledge you not just for Father’s Day but every day.
Here is some feedback:
”Thank you for doing what you’re doing. You are loving in some of the hardest and deepest and most complicated places. Places most men go to great lengths to avoid. Yet you, with arms open and hearts broken, have courageously stepped towards them for the sake of others. That is so counterintuitive, remarkable and beautiful.”
“Thank you for wanting to make a difference in a child’s life and for being a safety net during challenging times. Your impact on the lives of our tamariki is immeasurable. We appreciate you.”
Training
In September we have four dates for Family Dynamics – Torn Loyalties face to face training sessions for you to choose from.
This newly developed training gives caregivers the tools and advice to navigate their child’s relationship with their biological family. We will also explore the inner thoughts and feelings that children face when placed into a care family, so you can better understand their experience.
To find out which dates and times will suit you please click here.
Also in September we are running three online training sessions, so you can learn from the comfort of your home;
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Online Training (FASD)
Ako Ngātahi Learning Together ‘Parenting in a Healing Way’
Difficult Behaviours – Managing Confrontation & Intimidating Interactions
To find out more about these sessions and register please click here
Support
Dont forget to join the closed facebookgroup – Caring Families Aotearoa Upper South Support.
Nelson Coffee Group
Tahunanui Community Hub, 55 Muritai Street, Monday 8 September 10am
Nelson GRG
Every 2nd Friday,( next 9th Sept), Nelson Golf Club, 10am
Motueka GRG
Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, Community House, 1230-3pm, Motueka
Blenheim
The Marlborough support group, 10 am, Friday 2nd and 16th Sept, Market Street North Cafe, Blenheim
Westport dates to be confirmed
EVENTS
Our National Conference is only 3 weeks away! You really dont want to miss out hearing from our international motivational speakers, attend workshops and connect with other caregivers from around the country. Click below for more information or to register.
Ngā mihi
Denise