December 2025 Lower South Caregiver News

Kia ora koutou

As we come to the end of another year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our caregivers across the region. Your compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment make an extraordinary difference in the lives of the children you care for.  

This Christmas, we hope you find moments of peace, joy, and connection with those you love. Thank you for everything you do – every day, in ways big and small. 

Christmas can bring mixed emotions for some of our tamariki, so I encourage you to embrace the small moments of joy to help fill your own cup – and theirs—during this season. Remember small moments of warmth, laughter, and togetherness often become the memories children hold on to most.

Below are some simple, low-cost ways to build connection and create special moments at home: 

• Go for a Christmas lights walk (or drive) around your local neighbourhood — let the kids pick the route.  

• Share a movie or story night, complete with homemade “tickets” or a cosy blanket fort.  

• Create a gratitude ornament by writing something you’re thankful for on paper shapes and hanging them around the home.  

• Try a family karaoke or dance-off using free online playlists — guaranteed to bring smiles.  

• Start an “act of kindness” challenge to help build empathy and connection. 

• Decorate store-bought biscuits together for a simple, joyful afternoon.  

• Do a puzzle or game swap with another local family or friend.  

• Create handmade cards to gift to friends, whānau, or social workers. You can also do a batch of cookies or fudge to go alongside the card for a simple Xmas gift. 

• Have a hot chocolate & chat evening, sharing favourite memories of the year. 

Have a lovely Christmas, 

Stacey 

P.S I finish work on Monday 22 December and return on Monday 12 January. 

TRAINING

Have you signed up for one of our self-directed online courses? Learn at your own pace, from the comfort of your home, and gain valuable skills to support the tamariki in your care. 

For this December registration, you will have 6 weeks to work through the training at a time that suits you. Flexible, practical, and designed to fit around your busy life. 

• Registrations close: 10 December 

• Training opens: 15 December – modules will be ready for you to dive in! 

• Complete by: 27 January 2026 

Our course this month, Understanding Wellbeing from a Cultural Lens, is a reminder for us all to take some time to consider our wellbeing. This course will show you how to use a cultural model to develop a holistic view of your own well-being and that of others. It is a gentle learning experience giving you the time to explore how connection and balance contribute towards overall well-being.  

👉 To find out more about this course, (and view our other 5 courses and the National Care Standards) please click and register below.

EVENTS

Come and Join us for our Community/Whanau Fun Days in January 2026! 

A chance to come and catch up with the team from Caring Families Aotearoa and VOYCE Whakarongo Mai and join in a range of fun activities, grab a sausage sizzle and an ice-cream on us.  

Dunedin  
Where : Forrester Park (Field 3, up the top), 182 Norwood Street, Normanby, Dunedin 
When: Wednesday 21st January 3.30pm – 6.30pm 

Invercargill  
Where: Anderson Park, 91 McIvor Rd, Invercargill 
When: Saturday 31st January at 11am- 2pm 

SUPPORT

Otago/Southland 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 Lower South Facebook page or contact me lowersouth@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!  

Dunedin Support Group 
Group Contact: Andrea on faulksfamily@xtra.co.nz 
Next Meeting: 11th December 
Time: 10.30am  
Place: The Grange Cafe, 19 Clachan Grange Road, Mosgiel 

Gore Support Group 
Group Contact: Lisa on faulksfamily@xtra.co.nz 
Next Meeting: Tuesday 9th December 
Time: 10.30am  
Place: Country Cottage Cafe, Mataura 

If you need someone to talk to feel free to connect with me, your Regional Coordinator; M: 027 501 0392 

E: Lowersouth@caringfamilies.org.nz 

My hours of work are 9.00am – 2.30pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 

Or you can call our national office 0800 693 323