Honouring those who care

MORE than 25 unpaid carers living in the Barwon region were honoured for their selfless contributions earlier this month at an event hosted by community services provider genU.

These carers provide unpaid emotional, physical and practical support to their partners, friends, family members or other loved ones who may be living with disability, illness or require age-related support.

The High Tea lunch was held during National Carers Week at the RACV Torquay Resort and offered both an opportunity to celebrate local carers for their commitment and dedication, and provide them with a chance to connect with others.

The event was run as part of the Support for Carers program, a Victorian Government-funded initiative that provides tailored and flexible person-centred respite and support to unpaid carers of all ages and backgrounds.

These supports may include one-off or short-term funding for goods and equipment, counselling, information and advice, along with activities that promote wellbeing and provide carers with a reprieve, whether it be through a social outing or an overnight stay.

Locally, genU has been facilitating the program since June, providing carers with regular free events.

genU chief executive officer Clare Amies said the activities brought unpaid carers together in a relaxed environment where they could share their experiences, build friendships and enjoy each other’s company.

“This program is playing an important role in creating respite for carers who need time away from the demands of caring,” she said.

“Carers play an invaluable role in our communities, but we know this can come with a physical, mental and emotional toll.”

The program has received a positive response from local carers who welcome the opportunity to connect with others who can relate to the experience of caring for a loved one.

“You will find that the carers’ meetings are a place where you can share your good days and your bad days with people who have been there, done that and had that happen to them,” one carer said. “You realise you are not alone, that you are with folks who really do understand your situation.”

They said as the connection with other carers grows, the meetings become a place of comfort.

“You will know a person there and enjoy their company, learning something and have a laugh and a giggle and go home with a smile on your face, looking forward to the next carers meeting,” the carer said.

Ms Amies said genU was proud to facilitate the Support for Carers program.

“This program allows us to not only ensure local carers are appreciated and valued, but also have the opportunity to create their own safe and supportive network for each other, with people who understand their challenges,” she said.

Unpaid carers interested in connecting with genU’s Support for Carers program are encouraged to contact genU inclusion manager Jo Forssman at [email protected]