Young Carers NZ Ways to help

Help and information if you support someone in your family or whānau

Young Carers NZ was established in 2005 by children and young people in caring roles for loved ones. Over the years it has grown into a community of 2000+ young carers and supporters, mainly interacting on social media. A number of leadership groups led by young carers under the age of 24 advanced the work of Young Carers NZ and a new group is now established - young carers from across the country helping to shape new supports for those currently helping members of their families, whānau, or aiga. Young Carers NZ thanks the ProCare Foundation and MSD for supporting its work to recognise and assist young carers.

Young caring is still too invisible in New Zealand. Help us to make young carers aware of support, and to know that there is a network just for them. You can do this by:

• Telling a young carer in your life about YCNZ’s Facebook community where they can receive support, updates, and learn about activities that might be of interest: https://www.facebook.com/youngcarersnz • Asking them to click on the link to the short survey for young carers at the top of the Facebook page. This survey will help New Zealand know more about young carers: how old they are, who they help to care for, what they do, where they live, their ethnicity, and how they feel about their role. So far we have had more than 500 responses to the survey and other research is underway to build a picture about our country’s young carers. It takes just a minute to complete the survey. If the young carer in your life is very young, help them complete the survey! • When completing the survey the young carer can provide their contact details to join Young Carers NZ – the free network that exists just for them. They will receive regular e-updates, and have opportunities to connect with other young carers, and sources of advice and help. Or, young

carers can join the network by phoning 0800 777 797 or emailing centre@carers.net.nz • Schools, youth networks, counsellors, community organisations, and families/whānau can make sure young carers know about the Student Volunteer Army’s

Service Award recognition programme. It recognises and celebrates the volunteering of secondary students including the mahi aroha of young carers. YCNZ has worked with the Army for several years to build the programme at schools around the country. Learn more at https://www.service.sva.org.nz/students/ • Request Young Carers NZ’s free resources for adults working with young carers, and to help young carers.

Phone 0800 777 797 or email centre@carers.net.nz • Community, professional, and education networks that want to learn more about Young Carers NZ and help to ensure better support for them can request a Young Carers

NZ presentation – or just have a conversation. Contact us to arrange this.

If you or someone you know is a young carer who would like advice or has questions about what help is available for you, get in touch. We can answer questions, connect you to other help, or just listen. 0800 777 797 l https://www.facebook.com/youngcarersnz l centre@carers.net.nz

OUR PICKS! Watch, listen, read, share, learn!

JAMES AND ISEY

You may have heard about this uplifting, feel good New Zealand documentary about the week leading up to Isey’s 100th birthday celebrations.

James is Isey’s son, who left behind a career in music and acting in Auckland 25 years ago to become a full-time carer.

He had returned home to Karetū, near Kawakawa in the Bay of Islands, to look after his father, who had cancer.

When his Dad passed away at the turn of the millennium, James stayed on to care for his adorable mother - straight talking, eloquent Isey, who let James know often when he was fussing too much (all the way through the film). Other Isey highlights include sitting in the marlin chair on a fishing boat scolding James for telling the McDonald’s cashier her age, and when she drank bourbon whiskey followed by the same grimace every time.

The week leading up to Isey's birthday saw them out on the game fishing boat, in the Waipoua forest visiting Tāne Mahuta (the giant kauri tree), trips into Kawakawa, Kaihoke, and their marae at Karetū, and seeing the two seas colliding at Cape Reinga.

James talks about his spiritual beliefs as a Tōhunga Ahurewa (high priest), and his karakia feature in the first part of the documentary.

The highlight of the film was, of course, Isey’s big day.

I felt myself smiling and wanting to join in on the singing and dancing. After watching such an intimate insight into their everyday life, you could not help but celebrate alongside them.

As Isey's dedicated carer and son, James could not do enough to make the day special, and it was beautiful to watch.

There were touches of sadness around the sacrifices he had made and other losses the family had endured, however Isey’s sass and James’ doting demeanour made for heartwarming, positive viewing. Highly recommended!

Review by Angelique Kasmara, author of the new novel Isobar Precinct. Angelique is Carers NZ's communications manager.

TIKANGA

By Francis and Kaiora Tipene Living a fulfilling life rich with tradition, connection and te ao Māori

Following on from their bestseller, Life as a Casketeer, Francis and Kaiora Tipene share how they bring the traditional values of tikanga Māori into day-to-day living, their insights into whānau, mahi and manaakitanga, and how they live a life rich with the concepts of te ao Māori. Known for their warm hearts, grace and humour, the stars of the wildly popular series The Casketeers show how the traditions of tikanga shape their lives juggling five sons, three businesses and a television show - all while sustaining a life filled with joy and connection.

Tikanga is available at booksellers nationally, or buy a copy at

https://www.harpercollins.co.nz

RRP $39.99 1 OF 3 COPIES!