Caring for the carers
More than 2.5 million carers around Australia will be celebrated for the vital role they play caring for someone frail aged, with a disability or illness this week.
Designed to highlight the thousands of people who are quietly working to serve another, Carers Week 2009 will see ANGLICARE Sydney along with other organisations find ways to assist and thank our carers for their perseverance, strength and integrity.
Whether through the birth of a child with disabilities, the result of an accident or deterioration from illness, it is important to recognise that anyone may become a carer at any time.
As part of the national Carers Week celebrations during 18-24 October, it is hoped many ANGLICARE carers will take the opportunity to celebrate their week, participate in the events and enjoy the social interaction.
“The role of carer can often be quite isolating and stressful,” saysPhil Coller, ANGLICARE's Assistannt Director for Community Care Centres.
“We hope many carers will come away from the various events we have planned through out the week relaxed, refreshed and knowing they are not alone – that there is a network of agencies and people in the community that can support them.”
Some of the ANGLICARE events coordinated for Carers Week 2009 include:
- A day of pampering and relaxation for Penrith and Blue mountains carers;
- A special lunch for carers in the Hills region;
- Musical recital for carers supported by the Ashfield older parent carers support coordination program;
- Food and friendship day for Indigenous Australian carers in South West Sydney;
- Bus trip to Sydney Aquarium for Campbelltown and Camden carers;
- Information and relaxation day for Cambodian, Assyrian and Vietnamese carers; and
- Multicultural food and cultural event for carers in South West Sydney.
