August 2026 Lower South Caregiver News

Kia ora everyone,

I do hope everyone had an enjoyable Matariki, enjoying many of the activities that occurred across the region or with whānau and friends. In Dunedin we celebrated our first Matariki Kai event, which was a shared lunch and activities that allowed us to remember those no longer with us and set our intentions for the year ahead.

As always, I am amazed by the connection, conversation and laughter during these events that show what an amazing community we all belong to.

The following week was the start of my busiest school holidays in the year. A little introduction to my whānau, I have three tamariki (siblings), whom I have as permanent placements since infants. Part of our journey has been how to keep them connected with their whānau, who are spread across the North Island, from Foxton at the bottom to Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) at the top.

Once a year we set off from Taieri Mouth on an epic road trip to visit grandparents, siblings, parents, aunties and their cousins. Each of these visits with whānau happens in a slightly different way and lets my tamariki connect and share news of what is going on for them, or for Mr 11, his favourite hobby – fishing (yes we have to take the rods across the motu with us!)

The point of sharing this story? Each of the children we welcome into our lives will bring with them their story and whānau connections. They are not always easy to navigate, and each story has its own individual aspects. I would like to take a moment to celebrate all our caregivers, and the journey they travel with their young person, these experiences are all part of the caregiving role!

Ngā mihi,
Stacey

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 As a result, they may appear withdrawn, defensive, highly independent, or reluctant to accept support.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

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

The journey for caregivers and young people is one that can feel lonely sometimes and connecting with others that “get” or understand our story is one of the most positive steps we can take. This includes coming along to one of our support groups to catch up and share the load with other caregivers.

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: Thursday 13th August 2026
Time: 10.30am
Place: The Grange Cafe, 19 Clachan Grange Road, Mosgiel

South Otago Support Group
We are looking at getting a Support Group active in the South Otago area (Balclutha). If you are interested feel free to send a message or email through on the details below.

If you need someone to talk to, feel free to connect with me, your Regional Coordinator:

Phone 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.