Caring for carers

HEATHCOTE Carer’s Group last week concluded a ten-week Carer’s CHECK program with lunch at the Union Hotel.

Facilitated by local author, public speaker and death doula Amanda Collins, participants were encouraged to take time to care for themselves.

“Carers often forget to take time for themselves, they don’t self-care,” said Heathcote community house executive officer Vicki Forde.

“Through the CHECK Program, participants were encouraged to take time for themselves and were taken out of their comfort zones with some different activities.

“They made flower crowns and vision boards and learnt how to set goals.

“The CHECK Program was written by Amanda Collins and used Leonie Dawson’s workbook ‘My Brilliant Year’.

“We are very grateful to Amanda and to Heathcote Health for funding the program with their special carer’s funding.”

Ms Forde said that over the ten weeks participants rediscovered themselves and built their self-confidence.

“Each carer is at a different place in their journey, but they were all able to support each other and wonderful friendships were made.

“During one session participants were discussing the challenges they faced and one mentioned that she was sometimes too tired to cook dinner.

“Next week, one of the other participants brought in a prepared meal for her and her family.”

Ms Collins said she was honoured to be involved with the program.

“It’s so important that we support our unpaid carers. They are a vital part of our community and deserve way more than we are able to provide for them.

“Giving our carers an opportunity for a small breather in their week has been really rewarding.”

Heathcote Community House will be holding more carer’s programs in the future.