National Carers Week is an annual event recognising and raising community awareness of the 2.65 million Australians who provide care and support to a family member or friend.
From Sunday, 15 to Saturday, 21 October, a spotlight will be focused on the one in nine Australians who give unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental health condition, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or who are frail aged.
During the week, carers are also encouraged to care for themselves and prioritise their own physical and mental health.
SWSPHN will run a stall at the Camden Café Connect Carers Pamper Day from 11am to 2pm on Thursday, 19 October, at Camden Civic Centre.
Specifically for carers, attendees will be invited to enjoy massage, relaxation techniques and demonstrations, pamper product workshops and other activities.
Our staff will be on hand providing information about Carers Gateway, Young Carers Network, CarerHelp and Dementia Directory and giving out our Carer Health Resources Directory factsheets.
There is no cost to the Pamper Day.
Bookings
Other local National Carers Week events include:
Carer Recharge BBQ; 10am-2pm; Friday, 20 October; 14 Bangalay Road, Macquarie Fields.
Wellways in partnership with the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Minto, and Curran Public School invites carers to a special Carers Recharge. Enjoy a barbecue, wellness activities, pamper packs and healthy nutrition tips, and learn how Carer Gateway can support you or someone you know in your caring role. There’ll also be entertainment from local performer Aimee Hannan.
Carer Recharge; 10am-1.30pm; Friday, 3 November; CTC, 58-60 Hoddle Street, Robertson
Enjoy a free Carers Week recharge event with guest speaker Petrea King, from the Quest for Life Foundation, including lunch and light refreshments.
Carer 1 Day Course; 9am-5pm; Wednesday, 15 November; Moss Vale Services Club, Yarrawa Street, Moss Vale
A one-day course for unpaid carers that provides the knowledge and skills to recognise and respond to a person experiencing a mental health crisis. (Qualifications included in the training: CHCCCS019 Recognise and Respond to Crisis Situations, provided by Highlands First Aid.)
This year’s Carer Wellbeing Survey (Carers Australia) found carers with good access to support had healthy levels of wellbeing compared to those who had no or limited access to help.
How you can help a carer:
- Check-in regularly
- Offer a break
- Acknowledge and appreciate
- Initiate support
- Encourage self-care
Organisations which support carers and the work they do, include:
- Carer Gateway: Provides information and advice on the supports available to carers across Australia and has a great range of online resources to help promote carer wellbeing.
- Wellways Carer Gateway: Provides free support for carers through a network of regional Carer Gateway service providers.
- Carers NSW: Provides information, education and training, resources and referrals to support carers.
- CarerHelp: Information for carers, caring for someone with a life limiting illness.
- Young Carers: Raises young carer awareness, provides information and directs young carers to appropriate pathways for support.
- Young Carers Connect: A safe, supportive online space where carers aged 18 to 25 can hang out and share experiences.
- BaptistCare:- Carers of people living with Dementia: Supports people living with dementia at home, with a focus on promoting well-being and independence.
- Carer Support Group: Group programs | Swinburne: Online group for carers with loved ones in residential aged care homes.