Almost 650 Bay of Plenty caregivers who are raising children that are not their own, will continue to receive vital support thanks to a $13,000 grant from BayTrust.

The money will allow Caring Families Aotearoa’s regional co-ordinator, Nyvonne Krause, to provide emotional and practical support to guide local caregivers through the ups and downs of raising tamariki and rangitahi who have experienced trauma or neglect.

“Caregivers are not classed as professionals,” she explained.

“They don’t have a certificate or letters behind their name. But what they do is just so important for the future of our country. They’re shaping our future adults through the work that they do.”

As well as visiting individual homes throughout the Bay of Plenty, Krause organised regular training workshops, social events, and group coffee dates to connect and upskill caregivers so they’re not working in isolation.

She’s also available by phone if caregivers need to talk through an issue, or if they’re just having a tough day.

“I can offer them an understanding and sympathetic ear. I can offer them perspective, because when you are locked up with a child who isn’t maybe the happiest person in the world, and maybe you haven’t had enough sleep the night before and you’re not feeling at your best either, it can become overwhelming really quickly.”

Krause said she was incredibly grateful for the BayTrust grant amid a tough economy.

Nyvonne Krause, second on left, celebrates the challenges and triumphs of the caregiver’s journey with a local CFA support group. Photo / Supplied

“To be able to get the funding that we get, to do the job that we do, to support the people that we support, who raise the children that they’re raising, is amazing. The ripple effect is huge.

“It takes a lot of worry away. It just enables me to get in my car and drive around the Bay of Plenty to host a training or workshop. It enables me to host coffee groups. It enables me to acknowledge the amazing work that our caregivers do through Foster Care Awareness Week and other events.

“But what this grant means is I can physically be there. Because otherwise I’d just be a phone number for these people.

“And because they deal with difficult children, actually being able to sit in their lounge means they can look into my eyes and really feel that I get what they’re talking about. That I understand, and that I’m there for them.”

BayTrust chief executive Alastair Rhodes said Caring Families Aotearoa epitomised the importance of community wellbeing.

“They never want caregivers to feel alone and the one-on-one support they give caregivers is invaluable. It’s a tough job but one that is so important to help children recover from the devastating impact of abuse, neglect, or family violence.”

Caring Families Aotearoa was a free service for caregivers and the only organisation of its type in the country.

“They allow caregivers to do the best job they can and tackle any challenges head on. It takes great strength, courage and perseverance to open your home up to another child, and we know the work Nyvonne is doing to support Bay of Plenty caregivers will benefit us all.”