April 2026 Canterbury Caregiver News

Kia ora koutou

Happy Easter and the beginning of the school holidays for some of you. I don’t know about you, but this term has gone especially fast and it’s hard to believe we are well into the beginning of a new year!  

March was a busy month as we celebrated Foster Care Awareness Week with three events, as well as the Keeping Memories Workshop and partnered with our friends at FASD-CAN for a morning tea in Christchurch and Ashburton. As much as it’s a busy time, it is my favourite time of the year when I am out on the road getting to connect with you and hearing about the incredible mahi you are doing with your young people in your care. 

If you could not make the FASD-CAN morning tea with whānau navigator Jacqui and wish to connect with her, you can email her on jacqui.mikkelson@fasd-can.org.nz  or visit their website https://www.fasd-can.org.nz/

A big thank you to Sam, support group liaison for the Keeping Memories Workshop. Sam has gone above and beyond to gather donations for scrapbooking supplies and as a result, caregivers were able to begin or continue to work on children’s life story books with the help of these donations. If you couldn’t attend the workshop evening we had in March, please consider joining the Keeping Memories Support Group, you will learn more about the therapeutic tool of life story books for children and young people who are care experienced. Please contact Sam for more information: sam@theflourishcollectives.com

I will be taking 6 weeks leave, to have routine surgery, from Tuesday 21st April and expect to return on Wednesday 3rd June. During this time my Team Lead and Nelson Regional Coordinator, Denise Green will be covering my absence which some of you will know. Emails and calls will be directed to Denise but if you have any questions or need assistance her contact details are:  Phone: 027 369 3333, email: uppersouth@caringfamilies.org.nz  
Or you can contact the National Office on 0800 693 323. 

Up until the 21st April it will be business as usual for me, so please reach out if needed! 

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.

Ngā mihi nui, 

Lisa 

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 children’s 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 get in quick to register, and click below. 

Events – Fostercare awareness week

A massive thank you to the following people and organisations who have supported us this year with events, without them we wouldn’t have been able to offer such awesome experiences and Facebook giveaways- pottery with Katie Legg, The Shearers Quarters Temuka, Artisan Bakery, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools, Ninja Valley, Willowbank, Books from ‘She is not your rehab’, and the continued support from the L’Oréal Groupe.  

 Orana Wildlife Park – caregiver member discount! 

 As a caregiving member of Caring Families Aotearoa, you can experience the ultimate animal adventure for less! Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch has kindly partnered with us to offer our caregiver members a discounted admission rate. To apply for the discount, please click the button below to fill out the form, at least 3 days, before your intended visit. 

🌟 Let’s Get Our Hands Dirty for Matariki!

Thanks to Mitre 10 Papanui who donated vouchers, I have been able to prepare and plant ‘My Matariki Garden’! It was a fun challenge to discover what vegetables will grow here in Canterbury and I believe I scored the last pumpkin seedling in store!

As much as I love growing my own fruit and vegetables, I am no experienced gardener, so this will be trial and error for me and I am looking forward to documenting the journey to share on our Regional Private Facebook page, I’ll also have an awesome giveaway to share, thanks to Mitre 10 Papanui, keep an eye on the Facebook page.

👉 Caring Families Aotearoa Canterbury | Facebook

Nyvonne, our North East Regional Coordinator is also taking part in ‘My Matariki Garden’ and we look forward to sharing more details about the Matariki Event in June. Watch this space – but for now… I’m hoping my pumpkin, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and onions will outlast the frosts coming our way!  

SUPPORT

Christchurch West Caregiver Support Group  

New members and children are welcome!  As it’s school holidays RSVP essential. 
Please contact Sytske sytskenz@gmail.com or Bonny bonbazstephens@gmail.com  for more information. 

Meeting monthly, first Tuesday of each month. Next catchup:

Date: Tuesday 7th April
Time: 10.00-12.00pm  

Whānau Kin Support Group  
Is taking a pause while Lisa (Regional Coordinator) is on leave. We will continue this support group in June.  

North Canterbury -Rangiora Support Group
Date: Tuesday 14th April
Time: 7pm 
Place: Winnie Bagoes Rangiora  

New members welcome! Come have a ‘break’ during the school holidays! Please contact Emma for more information: emjones78@hotmail.com.

FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP

Keep an eye on our Canterbury Support Facebook page for information from me and our Support Group meet ups!

If you need someone to talk to, feel free to connect with me, your Regional Coordinator;
M: 027 501 0005, E: canterbury@caringfamilies.org.nz, Or you can call our national office
on 0800 693 323.  My hours of work are now Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and
Friday 8.30-4.30pm.