August 2026 Canterbury Caregiver News

Kia ora koutou,

It’s hard to believe we are already into Term 3, the year is speeding by! I hope everyone managed to stay well over the school holidays, and whether you stayed close to home or went away, you enjoyed some time as a family.

A big thank you to Denise Green, Nelson Regional Coordinator, who supported the Canterbury Region while I was on extended leave over May/June. It was wonderful to return and alongside my colleagues Nyvonne and Megan, host our first ‘My Matariki Dinner’. Although my Matariki Garden didn’t quite grow to plan, the event was so successful, and it was so special to share kai, tell stories, share laughs and pay tribute to our past, present and future. A big thank you to everyone who helped contribute to the success of this event!

TRAINING

Our latest online self-directed course, What is Blocked Trust?, offers some guidance for supporting tamariki who might resist comfort or connection even in the most caring homes.

Blocked trust can develop when tamariki have experienced early trauma, neglect, or disrupted attachment, making it difficult for them to feel safe, trust others, or form secure relationships. As a result, they may appear withdrawn, defensive, highly independent, or reluctant to accept support.

This course will help you understand how blocked trust develops, recognise its signs, and respond with practical, compassionate strategies grounded in Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP).

Registrations for this course intake close on Friday 7 August. Click below to register, or to find out more about our caregiver training.

EVENTS

Over the holidays VOYCE Whakarongo Mai put on some awesome tamariki and rangatahi events. I was lucky enough to go along to the event at Leap Pad and enjoyed seeing some familiar faces and meeting new ones! Events are such a great way to meet others and make connections!

Our friends at FASD-CAN have some great events lined up and online courses available for caregivers, as well as a new online support group. If you are interested, please visit their website: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder – Care Action Network

As mentioned previously, this year we are excited to commemorate 50 years of standing alongside caregivers and celebrate your dedication and aroha to tamariki in care. We have already been sharing inspiring stories from some of the people whose dedication and vision have helped shape Caring Families Aotearoa over the past 50 years, as well as some of the presentations from the wonderful speakers we have had at our conferences. This month we also launch our 50th Anniversary video which tells the story of our growth and milestones over the years.

We would now like to share with you that we are planning 50th Celebration Catch-Ups with our Support Groups around the motu – and we have an exciting monthly competition for you to win one of five luxury gift bags to give away, plus you can register to receive a little thank you gift in the post.

Please look out for communications about the 50th Birthday Celebrations or click here for more.

SUPPORT

Christchurch West Caregiver Support Group
Date: Tuesday 4th August
Time: 10.00am-12.00pm
Location: 1/1132 West Coast Road, West Melton
Please RSVP to Sytske or Bonny:  sytskenz@gmail.com | bonbazstephens@gmail.com 

Christchurch Support Group
Date: Thursday 13th August
Time: 10.00am-12.00pm
Location: Cafe Jireh, 81 Bickerton Street, Wainoni
Please RSVP to Lisa: canterbury@caringfamilies.org.nz

Keeping Memories Support Group
Date: Tuesday 25th August
Time: 7.30-9.00pm
Location: Whareora Community House-8 Athelstan Street, Barrington
Please RSVP to Sam: sam@theflourishcollectives.com

If you need someone to talk to feel free to contact 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 9am – 3pm Monday through to Friday