Retreats - Carer Kafe

45 carers experienced the Retreat for All Home-Based Carers held on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri People at the Yarra Valley Lodge from Saturday 22 June – Sunday 23 June 2024. A combination of kinship, permanent and foster carers gathered beginning with Uncle Ringo Terrick’s warm Welcome to Country followed by Joanie Bartolo’s valuable keynote session on emotion coaching children and young people. Carers spent time building peer connections and the first day ended with a grounding yoga and mindfulness workshop by Laura Grace.

The second day kicked off with informative sessions led by Kinship Carers Victoria, PCA Families and Foster Care Association of Victoria providing carers with guidance regarding navigating support systems and caring for children and young people. Finally, artist, educator and former paramedic Cassie Leatham from Wild Blak Arts presented an incredible afternoon with cultural activities including a bushwalk and weaving bracelets.

Feedback from carers indicated the retreat was educational as well as being a wonderful opportunity to engage and learn from other carers and to feel supported.

“The retreat exceeded my expectations. I had no idea on how informative it would be, I thought it was just an opportunity to relax and take a break, yet instead it was really informative, especially the tuning into kids sessions and the welcome to country and Cassie were just so moving. My bucket is soooooo full. I was on the verge of tears most of the weekend about how grateful and lucky I felt to be a part of a such a warm and caring community of other carers. Thank you so much to all of you who went above and beyond to make the weekend so special and rewarding, I feel so relaxed and feel like I taken some self-care to be the best mum I can be to my boys xxx”

“While the sessions were informative and I gained much knowledge from them, my key takeaway was chatting with other carers and sharing our experiences. I felt heard and understood by others in a similar situation.”

“It was well organised, very relaxing and inspiring.”

“The first time ever that I found out I am not alone. For the past eight years I have been through so much and I was so overwhelmed. Tuning in to kids/teens gives me so much hope. Being able to connect with them emotionally is key to keeping the relationship going through tough times. “

“I would like to say a massive thank to everyone involved it truly was the best weekend all round.”

“Meeting with and connecting with like-minded people to help me to better understand trauma in children to aid me in taking care of those in my care and others who I come in contact with.”

“I have arrived home feeling so relaxed and part of a community who is going through the same experiences of kinship care.”

It was a beautiful weekend to finally meet at the Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre for the Kinship Carers Retreat held from 4 – 5 May on the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung people. After the event was postponed due to the bushfires in February, it was wonderful to invite more carers to attend and engage with each other opening with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony from Traditional Custodian Shannen Mennen. Laura Grace from Awesome Beings led a beautiful session on yoga and mindfulness offering simple techniques to take home and Chrissie Davies from Chaos to Calm Consultancy presented expert advice on therapeutic parenting with radical acceptance: a motto for life, work and play.

The next day a few carers braved the elements for a crisp morning walk around Lake Esmond which was relaxing and Dr Linda Wells from CFECFW held a valuable writing workshop focussed on self-expression and wellbeing. Naomi Whyley from Kinship Carers Victoria led an informative Carer Tips session covering expectations and challenges for carers and frequently asked questions. Finally, the afternoon was bursting with creativity as carers engaged in art and music wellbeing activities facilitated by Ballarat Art Therapies.

Feedback from Kinship Carers indicated that they deeply valued the experience:

“It is the first time that I have connected with other carers and I learnt so much about the system that can help me advocate for my child. Thank you for an amazing experience. It far exceeded my expectations and I know now that I am not alone and much of what I experience as a carer is ‘normal’. Everything was so well organised. Sessions were brilliant and everyone created a safe supportive space.”

“Not only was I cared for extremely well it has uplifted me to continue to explore all avenues of support for each child.”

“It was informative as well as relaxing.”

“I wanted to recharge my batteries and that I did and came home very refreshed and wealth of knowledge.”

“I really enjoyed the chaos to calm with Chrissie that resonated a lot with me and a lot of that I’ll be implementing in our home.”

“Was great to get away and just relax and talk to other people in similar situations.”

“I came away feeling I had learned some things valuable to me and had shared my experience to help others move forward.”

“The areas that were touched on were relevant to me and my family. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I felt my worth, appreciated and celebrated thank you ❤️.”

It was so wonderful to see 36 carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children attend our first retreat of the year at Hotel Bellinzona at Hepburn Springs from Saturday 20 April – Sunday 21 April held on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people. Starting with a Smoking Ceremony from Elder Jason Kerr, our first day was filled with connections, shared knowledge and a powerful keynote from AJ Williams-Tchen, a proud Wiradjuri Social Worker, Nurse and Youth Worker discussing the responsibilities and possibilities of caring for First Nations kids and young people.

The second day exploded with energy including a morning of weaving bracelets with artist and former paramedic Cassie Leatham from Wild Blak Arts. She then led carers on an incredible bush walk informing them on bushtukka. In the afternoon, we learnt about dadirri, an ancient mindfulness tradition led by We Al-li facilitator Lee Couch and ended with Wayapa, a relaxing practice combining narrative meditation and physical movement.

Feedback from kinship, permanent and accredited foster carers attending indicated the retreat was a unique and important opportunity to connect with other carers and Aboriginal culture.

”It was a wonderfully put together retreat with amazing people and it was obvious they genuinely cared about us carers and the challenges of our life being carers.

“So much more than I expected! Such a beautiful backdrop, great presenters, an amazing group of carers, great organisation”.

“Thank you so much for organising this event you guys were all so helpful, amazing, friendly, hospitable and accepting. I really appreciate being able to attend, I was inspired to learn more about culture and to hear so many people with the same struggles.”

”So nice to get away and spend time reflecting and connecting with other like-minded people and experiences.”

“Very relaxed and came away with a lot of new and inspiring information.”

”I feel so honoured to be caring for Aboriginal children and being able to walk this walk, and learn, and grow together with them. That the way forward is together. ”

”Culture is more than just family – it is environment – community – activities and an inner sense of belonging and being part a great extended family community.”

“I feel valued as a foster carer because of this weekend.”

“It was great to be amongst people who actually understand what life as a carer is like.”

FCAV conducted a Caring Thru Art training session at the Anderson Inlet Anglers Club in Inverloch. The session, led by Tessa and Deb from FCAV, and Alicia on a Master of Social Work placement, aimed to provide a learning and development opportunity for Carer Kafe, focusing on self-awareness and self-care for experienced carers.

The session commenced with a discussion on self-awareness, during which carers acknowledged experiencing high levels of stress and frustration in their roles. Facilitators emphasised the importance of self-care to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue, highlighting its significance in maintaining carers’ capacity and motivation.

Art therapy was utilised as a medium to engage carers in activities promoting self-reflection and mindfulness. Activities included creating personal spaces with modelling clay, painting watercolour bookmarks, and crafting worry beads. These activities encouraged carers to explore their emotions and engage in therapeutic expression.

Facilitators led guided activities, emphasising the benefits of mindfulness and meditation in reducing stress and enhancing present-moment awareness. Carers practiced focusing their attention on the breath to cultivate mindfulness.

As carers engaged in art activities, they shared experiences of isolation and loneliness in their caregiving journey. The session provided a platform for peer support, enabling carers to connect and discuss challenges, such as complex children’s needs and limited respite support.

Participants recognised the value of face-to-face training, particularly in a regionally accessible location like Inverloch. The session facilitated meaningful connections and provided a supportive environment for carers to exchange ideas and strategies.

Carers received practical resources, including back packs of supplies for the children and young people in their care, essential oil kits, and self-care cards with ideas for nurturing well-being. Suggestions included establishing a relationship with nature and spending time outdoors to rejuvenate.

During lunch, carers continued to connect and reflect on their experiences. The nearby beach path offered a serene setting for exploration and contemplation, further enhancing the therapeutic environment of the session.

Just outside the building was the path to the beach and provided beautiful views across the bay that all could explore in their own time.

The Caring Thru Art training session at Anderson Creek Anglers Club in Inverloch provided a valuable opportunity for carers to prioritise self-care, foster peer support, and engage in therapeutic activities. The session underscored the importance of holistic well-being in caregiving and highlighted the significance of peer-based support initiatives.

Trigger Warning: This web page contains references of an Aboriginal deceased person.

Carer Kafe supported a large group of kinship, foster and permanent carers and children to attend the incredible exhibition on First Nations Art & Music titled Connection at The Lume Melbourne on Saturday 3 February 2024.

It was a moving and breathtaking experience to witness creations from over 110 visual and musical artists within an immersive environment celebrating land, water and sky country co-curated by Aboriginal Art Specialist Adam Knight and Indigenous Photographic Artist Professor Wayne Quilliam.

Attendees experienced an Acknowledgement to Country installation introducing smoking ceremonies, a main area with multiple projections, an interactive gallery and viewed original artworks on sale. The exhibition included the public premiere of Emily’s Wall, a series of works painted over a year by Anmatyerre woman Emily Kame Kngwarreye representing the passing seasons from her life.

On the day carers received the official Lume program, kids’ activity workbooks and colouring pencils to inspire young artists at home to explore the content and themes shared. We’d also like to extend our thanks to the VACCA staff who volunteered their time on the day and to The LUME Melbourne for their support in facilitating our visit.

Feedback from carers indicated that this was a wonderful opportunity to experience and learn about Aboriginal art and connection to country.

“Connection was an amazing experience, thank you so much for the opportunity to attend.”

“Our little 10-year-old and 7-year-old absolutely loved the experience and the lovely souvenir book they will keep in their memory box of special things.”

“We really loved this opportunity. The way that Carer Kafe also supported us through the information that was provided was amazing! Thank you so much!!”

“The program and activity books were wonderful and extended the learning into our home. It was lovely to sit down with my grandchild after the visit and work through the activity book whilst talking about our experience.”

Continue to look out for opportunities to attend events and upcoming Learning and Development sessions on the Carer Kafe Training Page.

FCAV in partnership with Carer Kafe, Meli and Mackillop Foster Care teams ran a Cultural day at Rippleside Park in Geelong.

Melinda Gaye Walker a Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and member of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council also partnered with us to provide a Welcome to Country and spoke of the local area, showed a number of Aboriginal artifacts including a possum skin or Walert, Kangaroo Skin or Goim, a Coolamon (wooden vessel) and a Burl (wooden bowl).

Melinda also taught the children a dance to traditional music. They all had a lot of fun taking on the role of an emu, kangaroo or wallaby and in the process learning more about their culture. She then spoke to many carers, providing her knowledge and wisdom to all and assisted throughout the day which was a bonus.

We had Foster, Kinship and Permanent carers and children attend the day including staff from FCAV – Deb and Alicia, Meli – Allison, Carer Kafe- Linda and Mackillop foster care team including Sandra, Julia, Page, Miranda, Meisha, and Siobhan to name a few.

The children were able to explore a number of art and craft activities whereby the children and young people made their own bush necklaces using gum leaves, flowers and nuts as well as making their own sand art with native animals and bush bracelets using beads. Some of the kids talked about putting their sand art in a frame and putting it up proudly in their homes.

Overall, with the backdrop of the ocean and at times a cool breeze presenting us we were able to share and enjoy the day with so many carers and children in their care.

Several carers were able to make connections with each other and hopefully, over time gain support from each other which is always a bonus.

The Foster Care Association of Victoria in partnership with Carer Kafe, Settlement Services Victoria and Project Us Foundation were delighted to run a Cultural training session at the Islamic Museum of Australia.

The guided tour of the museum provided invaluable insights and displayed rich information on Islamic culture, religion, and art. We were able to view art works by emerging and established Muslim artists.

We were also able to hear from Sheik Saeed Warsama – Iman at the Deer Park Mosque who spoke to us about helping children to link into their community via a mentoring program and community groups for young people. He also completed a question-and-answer session which provided information and insights into Islam Religion and Culture, to assist carers to better understand how to meet the needs of Muslim children coming into a foster care placement.

Within the museum is an enlarged game of chess as part of the museum and we discovered that although invented in India it was taken up by the Persians and then spread thru Muslim countries long before being picked up by European and English countries.

As we explored the Museum we gained an understanding of the pillars, morals and teachings underpinning Islamic faith which included quotes as above, videos and textiles.

Abdul Abdullah’s portrait of journalist Waleed Aly was shortlisted for the 2011 Archibald prize and proudly hangs in the gallery.

We also discovered this beautiful prayer mat and worry beads. The prayer mat represents a picture of Hajj, which in Islam is the pilgrimage to the Holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia which every adult Muslim must make at least once in his or her lifetime. The Hajj is the 5^th of the fundamental Muslim practises knows as the Five Pillars of Islam.