Tables turned for carers on half-day retreat

UNPAID carers from Bendigo and Shepparton will have the chance to unwind and connect with their peers at a free half-day retreat organised by Carers Victoria.

To be held at Juli-Anna Inn in Napier Street on Tuesday 29 October, the retreat is designed to provide a flexible program of relaxing and stress reducing activities to promote personal wellbeing.

Activities will include meditation, journaling, plus food and beverages (at no cost).

Carers Victoria senior manager – carer services Moreen Pakwan said the event has the singular motivation of allowing attendees to “take a break”.

“Carers spend 24-7 taking care of their loved ones,” she said. “They may be caring for someone that is aged, or for someone that has a mental illness or a disability.”

“They often can’t go out and have time to themselves, or even for those who may be able to, given the financial crisis, it’s really difficult to afford.”

“Events like this are important because if people don’t put the oxygen mask on themselves, it’s difficult to put the oxygen mask on someone else.”

Ms Pakwan said the sense of connection between carers that can be established at the retreat is also extremely valuable.

“It’s somebody else in the room that understands what they’re going through, and they can share experiences without any sort of judgement,” she said.

The Bendigo Carer Day Retreat takes place at Juli-Anna Inn on 29 October from 10am to 2pm.

Numbers are limited so bookings are essential via the Connect Greater Bendigo website.