December 2025 Canterbury Caregiver News

Kia ora koutou

It’s hard to believe we are into the final month of 2025, and on the countdown to the summer holidays. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the safe, loving and supportive homes you provide for the tamariki and rangatahi in your care. It is a privilege to support you on this journey, and I am always in awe of the caregivers I have the honour of supporting.  

A big thank you to my Regional Committee Members Deb, Emma, Judith, Maureen and Jo, I couldn’t do my role without your support and help. I’d also like to acknowledge our support group liaisons who support caregivers in their communities and provide a safe place for caregivers to come together. 

November has been a fun month to kick start the festive summer season. The Regional Coordinators had a trip to our National Office in Lower Hutt where we were fortunate to have some Professional Development. Starting with Veronica George in DDP (PACE) and two Lawyers from Family Law before we ended the trip with our staff Christmas Dress-up party.

Thank you to the whānau who joined Jo and I at the Family Fun Day in Christchurch. As you can see in the photos, it started off as a beautiful Christchurch day before the thunder and lightning storm brought it to an abrupt end. But then in true Canterbury weather style, by the end of the day the sun was shining again! 

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season!  

Meri Kirihimete Whānau!  

Lisa

P.S I finish work on Tuesday 23 December and return on Monday 12 January. 

TRAINING

Have you signed up for one of our self-directed online courses? Learn at your own pace, from the comfort of your home, and gain valuable skills to support the tamariki in your care. 

For this December registration, you will have 6 weeks to work through the training at a time that suits you. Flexible, practical, and designed to fit around your busy life. 

• Registrations close: 10 December 

• Training opens: 15 December – modules will be ready for you to dive in! 

• Complete by: 27 January 2026 

Our new course this month, Understanding Wellbeing from a Cultural Lens, is a reminder for us all to take some time to consider our wellbeing. This course will show you how to use a cultural model to develop a holistic view of your own well-being and that of others. It is a gentle learning experience giving you the time to explore how connection and balance contribute towards overall well-being.  

👉 To find out more about this course, (and view our other 5 courses and the National Care Standards) please click and register below.

Events

This month, I am joining five whānau at Ruapuna speedway for an unforgettable evening of family and speedway fun. A massive thank you to the Ruapuna Team for gifting us this opportunity.  

If you would like to purchase tickets, they are on sale to the public, please check their website for more information – click here.   

Christmas Party Tūhono with VOYCE Whakarongo Mai 
Date and time: Friday 12th December,  3.30-5.30pm  
Place: Murchsion Park, Redwood, Christchurch
RSVP: Pātariki 021605584 or patariki.caffell@voyce.org.nz (please state your name, ages of who you are bringing and care type, i.e, in care, care experienced, home for life etc)

A free family event- bring the kids for a fun afternoon in the park with a sausage sizzle, facepainting, games, and a children’s bouncy castle. Deb and I will be there serving you hot drinks, so make sure you come and say hello!  

SUPPORT

Not all support groups are meeting this month but will be up and running again from February 2026. Please contact me if you are interested in joining a support group and are needing some support in the interim.

Christchurch West Caregiver Support Group (West Melton)
Meeting monthly, first Tuesday of each month. Next catchup:
Date: Tuesday 2 December
Time: 10.00-12pm
New members and children are welcome!

Please contact Sytske or Bonny for more information sytskenz@gmail.com | bonbazstephens@gmail.com

Whānau Kin Support Group
Meeting monthly, second Thursday of each month. Next catchup:
Date: Thursday 11^th December
Time: 10.00am
Place: Cafe Jireh, 81 Bickerton Street, Wainoni

Plenty of parking, children are welcome! Regional Coordinator Lisa is the group liaison, and we welcome all members who are caring for a family member to come and meet other whānau kin caregivers for a coffee!

Please contact Lisa for more information canterbury@caringfamilies.co.nz | 0275010005

North Canterbury -Rangiora Support Group
Date: Thursday 4th December
Time:  10-11.30am
Place: Rangiora Artisan Bakery (upstairs)

Please contact Emma for more information: emjones78@hotmail.com

FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP

Also 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. My hours of work are 9.00am – 3.00pm Monday to Friday.

Phone: 027 501 0005
Email: canterbury@caringfamilies.org.nz

Or you can call our national office 0800 693 323.