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A message from My Forever Family NSW

Congratulations to all on the wonderful efforts you are putting in to ‘flatten the curve’ within the community. As transmissions of COVID-19 decrease with each day's reporting and some of the stricter social distancing measures are relaxed, it does feel like the end is in sight, although we still have a way to go.

We are very aware that some carers and their families have been severely impacted by this pandemic both financially and in terms of increasing pressures on households.

The additional stress and anxiety that we are all under in terms of trying to keep things ‘normal’ while home schooling, attempting to fill our work obligations and maintain some semblance of calm, without our usual support outlets – just cannot be borne alone. I urge you to reach out to us, call and let us help and support you.

We have moved quickly to provide a number of supports online for families – including the virtual face to face support of Online Loungerooms and one-on-one intensive support sessions via video conferencing. We also understand that some people prefer being able to pick up the phone and talk – and we are here to listen. With an understanding of the carer role, the sector, and some of the challenges, our team can provide a listening ear along with practical tips and ways forward.

Whether you are a relative/kinship, foster or emergency carer and particularly if you do not have access to online offerings, remember that you can always pick up the phone for advice and support,
1300 782 975. Please keep safe and well, keep caring and keep in touch.

Miriam Moloney
Head of Advocacy, Engagement and Operations

The Online Lounge Room

We have just launched an exciting range of Online Lounge Rooms, including a new Afternoon cuppa with Gareth Ward, Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services!

This session is strictly for carers who have not had the opportunity to attend either an in-person or Online Lounge Room with the Minister and is on Thursday 7th May @ 3pm.

Places in the Online Lounge Room are strictly limited so register now.

Upcoming Training

Now that school holidays are over, we have launched new online training events for carers. We also have a fantastic opportunity to refresh your first-aid skills online with a Mini Skills Refresher, online webinar.

These sessions will be run by Mary Dawes, Managing Director of First Aid For You and the first session is on Thursday 14th May @ 11am.

Carer Story
Samar and Mohammed

My husband and I had always thought about fostering and my sister-in-law told us about an event where they were raising awareness around the critical shortage of carers for Muslim children. We went along and the next day I called the agency and started the process. That’s when our journey began.

Did you know...

The Commonwealth Government increased a range of supports and services for everyone including children and young people experiencing anxiety and mental health issues that have arisen during social isolation and COVID generally.

You can find supports on the Head to Health website below and in our COVID-19 resources page, particularly for talking with children and young people in care. Some young people may also benefit from talking direct to a service about their concerns and sharing strategies with a professional to help them stay resilient during this period. Call us on 1300 782 975, if you need to discuss anything with our Carer Support Team.

Resources
Making family time fun

Sydney University, Research Centre for Children and Families have put together some resources to help keep families connected during social distancing. There are some great suggestion, links and tips for family friendly online games, making video calls fun and starting meaningful conversations.

For those who want something different to screen time, there’s some great activities and ideas for making family time fun without technology. These resources are available from our COVID-19 resources page under Learning & Play.

COVID-19 Resources

We’re constantly adding to our COVID-19 resources page as more information becomes available to us and as the situation changes.

As we head back to school there are many changes to the way we are interacting with each other, with education, family time and agencies. We know from your feedback that many of the young people in your care, or you yourself may be finding it challenging.

We have added some links to resources for you and the children in your care, to help you get through this difficult time and remember if you have any problems please call us.

COVID-19 resources

NEW Carer Support Online

All parents and carers struggle at times with the behaviour of their children, particularly with the added stress of schooling from home and social distancing. We are proud to be able to offer one hour tailored one-on-one therapeutic parenting support sessions to carers, with a trained expert in the field of developmental trauma from Continuum Consulting.

To make a booking for one of these sessions please contact our Carer Support Team on 1300 782 975 and make an appointment with Continuum Consulting to receive practical and personalised solutions conducted in a secure online environment.

Team Member Profile

Name: Emma Walker
Position: Carer Support and Recruitment

How long have you worked at the organisation

I started in July 2018.

How did you start in the sector?

My parents were foster carers when they first married, and I grew up going to the weddings of the kids they fostered. I also spent time working in schools with kids that needed extra help and I found I was spending more time with kids that had contact with the care system. I was looking for a way to have positive contact with these kids, outside school then a chance to work at an agency came up and I took it with both hands and never looked back!

What does a normal day look like for you?

I don’t think there is such a thing as a ‘normal’ day. I’m so lucky that each day I come to work is different! I might have emails overnight from carers to tell me about a positive moment in their day or I might get a phone call asking for help. Each and every time I read an email or answer a call, I feel extremely privileged that someone has reached out to us to help them with some of their best or most difficult moments.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The thing I like most about my role is how different each day can be. I have the joy of working with some the most diverse situations and people. It’s truly an honour to walk alongside the carers.

My Forever Family NSW program is funded by the NSW Government and operated by Adopt Change.

The My Forever Family NSW newsletter is produced by the Communications team.

If you would like to contribute, have your say or simply ask a question, please

Disclaimer: The information and advice provided in this document/website is general information. It may not apply to a particular case, and as such, must not be taken as legal advice.

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Dulwich Hill, | 2203 Australia

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