October 2026 Upper North Caregiver News

Kia ora koutou katoa,

So much going on around the motu.  The weather is playing cat and mouse and I’m wondering “Was that the last frost so I can put my summer veges in?”  and just when I think it is … it’s not.  Auē!  And this is not too dissimilar from our daily lives as caregivers.  We think we have navigated the tough times and things are starting to look brighter to then encounter an unexpected set back that can stop us in our tracks.  We call on our resilience to see us through, and we prepare better the next time.   With the school holidays upon us, I hope your resilience is at an all-time high.  Where you can, take some time for yourself to re-charge, even if it’s just a quiet cup of tea while the kids enjoy a movie.   Look after yourselves and I hope to connect with you soon.
Hei konā mai

Self-Directed TRAINING

Have you tried our new registration process for online caregiver training yet? If you’re an eligible trainee, we’ve started sending you a monthly invitation from our training platform, with a link to find out more and register for courses in the next intake.

We’d love to hear your feedback while the platform is still new – as it has been designed with your busy days in mind. Like any new system, we have experienced some teething issues, but we’re working hard behind the scenes to ensure the process is seamless for you. Send any thoughts and comments to us at training@caringfamilies.org.nz

If you’re caregiving under an Agency, our monthly invitations to register for training are sent to your Agency instead. Have a chat with your Agency and let them know which of our courses you’d like to start!

You can find information about our caregiver training courses and the registration process here – Self-directed Online Learning – Caring Families

 New courses for October

This month we’re introducing two new Additional Courses to our training suite. Each course takes approximately one hour to complete, but you don’t need to finish them in one sitting – just like all our courses, you can dip in and out and save your progress as you go.

Helping Babies Heal – understanding the impact of trauma

Learn how to recognise and respond to the emotional and developmental needs of an infant or toddler in your care. We’ll leave you with strategies for building trust, security and healthy attachment.

They Care Too – the impact of fostering on biological children

We explore the experiences of biological children in mixed caregiving households, navigate the unique challenges (and some opportunities too!) and learn practical strategies to support positive relationships and help the whole family thrive.

Register by Tuesday 6 October if you’d like to take advantage of this training, or any of our Foundational Level courses, this month.

Missed the email?
We’ve received a few enquiries from caregivers who haven’t seen the email from our registration platform inviting you to register for courses. If this sounds familiar, check your junk mail or search for these details in your Inbox – sender no-reply@caringfamilies.net.nz and subject “Invitation to sign up for Caring Families Aotearoa training course”.

EVENTS

Have you heard it’s our 50th Anniversary and there are lots of ways to get involved in our 50th Celebrations. You can enter our monthly competition, register for a free gift, watch our 50th Anniversary video, or read some inspiring stories from some very special people who have helped shape who we are today as an organisation. If you haven’t already seen all the ways we are celebrating our 50th Anniversary, go to our page on the website to find out more.

SUPPORT

Opportunity to become a caregiver through Ngāpuhi Iwi Services.
Are you interested in becoming a caregiver for tamariki that whakapapa to Ngāpuhi?  If you would like to learn more click on the link below. Care Services for Mokopuna | Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services | Northland | NISS

Don’t forget you can call me for support or if you need someone to talk to – 027 501 0395 or email nyvonnek@caringfamilies.org.nz 

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

Or you can call our national office 0800 693 323. 

Nyvonne