April 2026 Upper South Caregiver News

Kia ora koutou  

Hello to April, Easter, Anzac Day, School Holidays, and end of first term!  

 What a delight it was for me to get around the Upper South and connect with many of you during Foster Care Awareness Week. It was also a timely reminder that not all is sunshine and roses and many are facing difficulties with all sorts of different things. This highlights the importance of our support groups and a reminder to you that I am here to support (even from afar and via telephone). 

I want to reassure caregivers that although we often feel isolated, there is always someone in our organisation that is available to talk things through and to offer support.   

More and more, I hear from caregivers who tell me how useful and insightful the new online self-directed courses are. So, my challenge to you all, is to consider completing at least one training course next term. It’s only one hour of your time, completed when you want from the comfort of your home.

Daylight savings will end this month so please don’t forget to replace your smoke alarm batteries, this is the season that it counts! I have just invested in new alarms with 10–year batteries, they probably cost just a little more than replacing the batteries in my existing alarms.

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. 

Events – Fostercare Awareness week

I had a wonderful time with caregivers around Te Tauihi (Top of the South) for Foster Care Awareness Week. I enjoyed the company, the origami, meeting new faces in the region and seeing children and caregivers connecting with each other. See below for a few photos from Foster Care Awareness Week.

Support

Nelson Coffee Group
Date: Monday 20 April
Time: 10.00am
Location: Tahunanui Community Hub, 55 Muritai Street, Nelson
No RSVP necessary, please come along on the day.

Blenheim Coffee Catch up
Date: Friday 24 April
Time: 10am
Location: The Runway Café, 760 Middle Renwick Road,
RSVP to Denise 0273693333 via txt

Westport Coffee Morning
Date: Thursday 21 May
Time: 10am
Location: Donaldos, Marine Parade, Carters Beach
RSVP to Denise 0273693333 via txt

Greymouth Coffee Morning
Date: Friday 22 May
Time: 10am
Location: Dash In Cafe – Tai Poutini Polytech, 73-87 Tainui Street Greymouth
RSVP to Denise 0273693333 via txt

Hokitika Afternoon Coffee
Date: TBC
Time: 1:30pm
Location: TBC

Online support
Please join our private Facebook group if you haven’t already.

If you need someone to talk to feel free to connect with me, your Regional Coordinator; M: 027 369 3333 | E: uppersouth@caringfamilies.org.nz. Or you can call our national office on 0800 693 323.

My hours of work are 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday through to Thursday.

Ngā mihi nui,
Denise