Help is at hand!

FASD-CAN is here to help you navigate the ups and downs of being a caregiver of a person with FASD, whatever their age.

We'd love it if you could help us spread the word and share this with friends and whānau!

Please note: to become a member of this group you must be a caregiver/parent or whānau member of someone with FASD, and a member of FASD-CAN (if you're not already a member, join here. It’s quick and easy with no obligation).

If you're already a FASD-CAN member, click here to jump to our registration form or read on for more about the group...

When and how?

Meetings take place on the third Wednesday of each month from 7.30pm-8.30pm.
Once you have registered to join the group, you will receive an email with the group Zoom link which can be used for every meeting, and a reminder email a day or two before each group meeting throughout the year.

EVENING support group dates for 2025 – please put these in your diary now!
• 19 March  •  16 April  •  21 May  •  18 June  • 16 July  •  20 August  •  17 September  •  15 October  •  19 November  •  17 December

The benefits of joining a support group

Caring for a person with FASD is one of the most stressful jobs around. But even though you might feel like it, you are not alone. Caregiver support groups are very helpful in giving you a place to connect, get support (both emotional and practical), and be heard. 

Research shows that the benefits of joining a caregiver support group include:

• a reduction in social isolation which can so easily happen to caregivers
• knowledge that you are talking to other people going through a similar experience, who don’t judge, and who ‘get it’!
• giving you a safe place to ‘vent’ and share what you are going through
• helping you regain a sense of control over your situation and life
• helping keep your perspective on life
• providing you with emotional support and understanding
• an opportunity to learn from others who have already experienced the issues confronting you, and
• a source of further resources and information.

Have a look at our downloadable 'I am a caregiver' info sheet – it gives an idea of the challenges for caregivers of those with FASD across the lifespan, the support you'll require and your role. It may be helpful to print out and pass on to whānau or professionals, too.      

Our Facilitator

This group is facilitated by RuruHana Brownie, our Te Tai Tokerau FASD-CAN Navigator. 

RuruHana has a long career in supporting whānau who are doing it tough. Since mid-2022 she has been facilitating our ‘Life with FASD’ caregiver trainings alongside Anna Gundesen, our Navigator in Tāmaki Makaurau. RuruHana’s wonderful empathy and experience working with whānau has been a lifeline for many.

Registration

• To become a member of this group you must be a current or past FASD caregiver and you must be a member of FASD-CAN (if you're not already a member, join here. It’s quick and easy). 

• If you're already a member of FASD-CAN simply fill in the form below (if you can't see a form below, you're not a member – see above).

• You can join the group at any time throughout the year.

• You can cancel your membership at any time by emailing [email protected].

• Membership in the group is also on a personal/individual basis, and you will be required to comply with FASD-CAN’s privacy and confidentiality requirements. This means the Zoom links you are sent for group meetings cannot be shared with other non-members. 

Any questions?

If you have any questions or want to know more, please contact RuruHana at [email protected]

Please note: FASD-CAN has other specific professional networking groups for educators and social and support workers.