Understand and Connect with Aroha

A FREE two-day course for grandparents, parents, caregivers and whānau in Nelson, in collaboration with Whakatū Te Korowai Manaakitanga Trust.

Please note: this training is not for professionals working with those impacted by FASD.

* There is a pānui to either print or distribute digitally for this training – click here to download. 

Need to know

• This training is over two days, Friday and Saturday 10/11 November 2023.
• The venue is the Greenmeadows Centre, Stoke, Whakatū / Nelson.
• You'll be required to attend BOTH days.
• It will run from 9.30am to 2.30pm each day.
• Lunch is provided on both days.

What's it about?

This Caregiver Education and Support Course is for those who are caring for someone who has, or may have FASD.

This is an evidence-based training with the objective to grow knowledge, develop greater resilience, learn strategies and meet others who also have FASD in their whānau.

Our training has been run very successfully in Aotearoa over the last two years in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Whangarei, Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington and Ōtautahi/Christchurch, and twice as a 7-week online course. 

Facilitation

FASD-CAN Navigator Anna Gundesen and Denise Green bring their lived experience to these courses alongside being experienced facilitators with a sound knowledge-base of FASD and developmental trauma.

Tēnā koutou, Ko Ngāi Tahu te iwi. No Waikomete taku kainga, ko Anna ahau. (I am based in Glen Eden, Auckland). I am a FASD Navigator in Tāmaki Makaurau – a role which includes support, education, networking, training and advocacy for parents, caregivers, grandparents, whānau and professionals.

I’m constantly upskilling about FASD, both for my role and to support our third child who has the strengths and challenges that are symptomatic of her FASD. I recently completed the year-long 'Training for Facilitators' through Fascets, utilising the Neurobehavioural Model developed by Diane Malbin – a brain-based approach to neurodiversity.

Kia ora koutou, ko Denise Green ahau. I live in Whakatū/Nelson with my husband George, and together we have been foster parents for 28 years. Our two youngest have an FASD and we have spent many years researching and growing our skill set to meet their needs. I'm currently employed with Caring Families Aotearoa as a Regional Coordinator and feel privileged to also have had the opportunity to be trained and train others using DDP therapeutic parenting practices. I am also currently a trustee for the FASD Nelson Charitable Trust. I'm passionate about improving the outcomes of children in care and building understanding for those that support those with an FASD. 

Feedback from attendees in Aotearoa

What was the most valuable part of the training for you?

• “The lived experience of facilitators was a huge benefit.”
• “Easy flow, unhurried; exceptional marae; generosity and wellbeing; hauora, mauri ora.”
• “Loved the Aotearoa direction.”
• "Filling my tank and personal sense of belonging through being with others who ‘get it’. This has strengthened my compassion and encouragement for the way forward."

You can click here to read an article about our first caregiver training sessions in 2022, with input from participants and facilitators about what it was like delivering the FASD training which was so empowering for those who took part. 

What's next?

Once you’ve hit the Sign Up button, you'll receive a confirmation email with more detailed information about the course and facilitators, and our Training Administrator, Paige Saxby, will contact you within a few days to help you make the most of this opportunity.

Notes

1. By clicking Sign Up you are consenting to receive occasional newsletters from us which you can unsubscribe from at any point.

2. There are limited spaces in this training and priority will be given to members of FASD-CAN. It's free to join, click here.