April 2026 Lower South Caregiver News
Kia ora koutou
Easter has arrived and I know my whānau love this time of year, full of easter egg hunts, chocolate and easter activities. I always cross my fingers for fine weather as it lets me sneak outside looking for spots to try and hide our eggs or other goodies. Then the chaos follows as the tamariki all run around trying to be the first to spot and collect the eggs. What do you have planned to celebrate the Easter period?
The Easter weekend leads into the school holidays and our tamariki having a well-earned break from school. I will be posting some ideas and local activities in the next few weeks on the Facebook page so keep an eye out for some holiday ideas!
I wish you all a very safe and happy Easter weekend, and whether you celebrate or not, I hope you can enjoy the extra days spent with family.
Thank you to all the caregivers who attended the Otago/Southland Foster Care Awareness Week events. It is always a privilege to catch up with our caregivers at these events and celebrate over some kai the amazing role you all hold!
The focus of the events included our PACE – Therapeutic parenting model and how we use the P – Playfulness to strengthen our relationships with young people we care for. There were truly a range of Origami skills in our groups as we had a go at creating a mix of rabbits, hearts, cups, planes and even a couple of chatter boxes (we all remember these). The caregivers caught up with each other, shared and had some laughs – which is what it was all about.
Ngā mihi,
Stacey
FASD-CAN have a new FASD Navigator for Te Waipounamu-South Island. Jacqui Mikkelson will be visiting Dunedin and Invercargill soon to connect with caregivers. The dates will be shared on the Lower South Caring Families Aotearoa Facebook page so keep your eye out! If you wish to connect/seek support from her, you can email her on jacqui.mikkelson@fasd-can.org.nz or visit the FASD-CAN website https://www.fasd-can.org.nz/
TRAINING
How Trauma Impacts the Child’s Brain
Have you ever wondered why children who have experienced trauma may react in ways that seem puzzling or overwhelming? In our new training ‘How Trauma impacts the Child’s Brain’, you will learn how young brains develop and how trauma can disrupt this process. Understanding these changes can help you respond with empathy and provide the right support children need to heal and grow.
Registration cut off is close of business Thursday 2 April. So don’t delay and click below to find out more and register.
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, email faulksfamily@xtra.co.nz
Next Meeting: Thursday 23 April
Time: 10.30am
Place: The Grange Cafe, 19 Clachan Grange Road, Mosgiel
Southland Coffee & Cake
Group Contact: Rose, email jeffnroserhind@gmail.com
Next Meeting: Wednesday 30 April
Time: 11.30am
Place: Buster Crabs, 326 Dee Street, Invercargill
If you need someone to talk to, feel free to connect with me, your Regional Coordinator; M: 027 501 0392
Email: lowersouth@caringfamilies.org.nz
My hours of work are 9.00am – 2.30pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Or you can call our National Office on 0800 693 323.