FASD-CAN is here to help you navigate the ups and downs of being a caregiver of a person with FASD, whatever their age. As part of our mahi, we are keen to strengthen and extend our current kanohi kit e kanohi / face to face FASD caregiver support group network across the motu.
However, there will still be many parts of Aotearoa that will not have access to a local, in-person support group, so we have an online support group to help meet the needs of all FASD-CAN caregiver members, wherever you are in the country.
Click here to download an interactive pānui / flyer about the group
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 member of FASD-CAN (if you're not already a member, join here. It’s quick and easy with no obligation) and a current or past FASD caregiver.
Click here to jump to our registration form or read on for more about the group...
Caring for an FASD individual 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 to be heard.
Research shows that the benefits of joining a caregiver support group include:
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.
Kim Milne, FASD-CAN’s Principal Advisor, and Anna Gundesen, FASD-CAN’s Navigator in Tāmaki Makaurau will be the co-facilitators of the Group. Our Chairperson Leigh Henderson, will also be online when available. They all have lived experience of caring for tamariki/rangatahi/adults with FASD.
Kim is caregiver to a 22-year old son with FASD, ADHD, SPD, and many other acronyms. She has been there, and done that! She is looking forward to connecting with you all and making the Group a safe place to share experiences and knowledge.
Anna is the FASD-CAN Navigator in Tāmaki Makaurau. She is immersed in this role of support, education, networking, training and advocacy for all those caring for individuals with the disorder. She and her partner have a teenager with FASD and Anna is highly trained as a facilitator.
Leigh’s son was diagnosed with FASD when he was a teenager; he’s now a grown man with his own children. Leigh has a long background in advocating for more awareness around FASD and she’s passionate about helping families who are impacted by FASD to get the best possible outcomes.
Meetings take place on the first Thursday of each month from 12.30-1.30pm. When you register to join the group on the form below, you will receive an email with the list of meeting dates for 2024 and the group Zoom link.
To become a member of this group you must be a member of FASD-CAN (if you're not already a member, join here. It’s quick and easy) and a current or past FASD caregiver.
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.
Please note: FASD-CAN has other specific professional networking groups for educators and social and support workers so if these would be more appropriate for you we encourage you to join them.
If you have any questions or want to know more, please contact Kim Milne. [email protected]
To register for membership in the online FASD Caregiver Support Group please fill in the form below.
You can join us at any time throughout the year.
You can cancel your membership at any time by emailing [email protected].
