Tēnā koutou katoa to all our Caring Families Aotearoa members in the North West region.

We are heading into a time of year that can be stressful for families; planning end of year celebrations, holidays and Christmas gifts. For some of our children in care, it can be triggering as they are reminded of the key relationships that they may not see as much, or have a connection to. For example, not being able to spend their end-of-year school assemblies and celebrate awards with their biological mother or father, or not seeing them on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.  

We as caregivers can feel an added expectation to fill the gap as much as possible while managing work, family occasions, Christmas and of course the dreaded funding application process for the following year (for those on UCB). It can be easy to lose focus on our own nurturing and bonding to tend to the various things we must do before the year ends.

As a result, we might find ourselves snapping at our children or feeling unappreciated for the hard work we try to do to bring joy into their lives and show our love and affection. So…..grab some time to make a cuppa for yourself…. Do something to fill your cup… even if it’s for 5 mins a couple of times a week.  That way, you can recentre yourself, and move into the zone of being the caregiver you want to be to yourself and your loved ones.

For those receiving the Unsupported Child Benefit, I have a list of dates that you can start marking in your new calendar so you can plan thoughtfully and reduce those stress levels for the whole family. When we plan, we can create a balance between work and life responsibilities.   

MARK YOUR 2023/2024 CALENDAR

*Be sure to include family and school events to your calendar.

SUPPORT

Manawatu Foster Care Association – SAVE THE DATE!

Save the date for our Christmas lunch get-together

• Date and Time: Friday 15 December, 11:00AM
• Venue: Meeting Room at Rosebowl Cafe, 56 Kimbolton Road, Feilding
• Any queries, or to RSVP, please contact Judy on 027 758 3624.

Taranaki Online with Nigel and Ebony!

I will be coming up to the Naki, in person on the 4th of December, and Nigel and I want to make this occasion a special end-of-year celebration for all our Taranaki Caregivers, and so we would like your input.

Please contact me with some ideas or join us for an online discussion about caregivers connecting with caregivers. I want to know more about you, and how we can all work together.

Online Meeting:

• Monday 13th November, 10am – 12pm
• RSVP by text to Ebony on 027 5010 0394 or email lowernorth@caringfamilies.org.nz with your name and email address and I will send you the online meeting link.

TRAINING

We are delivering a BRAND NEW caregiver training in Palmerston North this month, called ‘The HeArt of Healing Care’. I’m really excited to bring you some new content and get your feedback, so please join us if you’re able to.

• Tuesday 14 November, 9:30AM-1:00PM
• REGISTER HERE

We also have a number of online training workshops available this month, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Click our training calendar below to explore the topics we will be delivering.

EVENTS

Our Family Fun Day events in New Plymouth and Palmerston North are now full, but we do have tickets for Whanganui. See details below.

•  Saturday 2nd December, 12PM-2PM
• Splash Centre, Springvale Park, London Street
• REGISTER HERE

Tiaki i a koutou anō, look after yourselves!

Ebony