National Carers Week (October 12 – 18) is a reminder of the vital role unpaid carers play in our communities – and the importance of finding connection, support and safe spaces to care for their wellbeing.
The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) Disability Services Community Capacity Building team have partnered with community organisations to co-facilitate regular peer support groups for unpaid carers across Brimbank, Wyndham and Hume.
We spoke with a carer who attends our Wyndham Wellbeing Group and shares their experiences with us.
What has been your experience in attending the Wyndham Wellbeing Group?
It is so nice to hear I am not alone; others share similar experiences. It can get lonely; you get stuck in your own bubble and bogged down in the day to day. There are always new people coming to the group, and the people that come are fun, I look forward to coming along. Sometimes it is hard to come, sometimes a logistical nightmare, but I don’t get much time for just me. In the big picture it is only two hours once a month, that isn’t a lot of time.
What has it been like since joining the group?
I have met new people that I would never have met otherwise. It took a bit to step through the door, but I am glad I did, it is good to meet and talk to people who ‘get it’. The group is really relaxed, you can let your guard down, feel a bit more like the old me, we chat, we have a coffee and piece of cake, and learn new things. The two hours goes quickly.
Everyone’s experience is different, some care for young kids, some terminally ill partners, some care for adult children, but we all know how rewarding and tough sometimes it can be, mentally, physically, and financially. Our day to day is different, it is a safe space to share and be open, it is ok to laugh it is ok to cry.
Has the group helped you in your caring role?
There is a shift in balance, I need to prioritise myself now I am getting older, to make sure I can keep up with everyone’s needs including my own. It was great to connect with Council about the carers support group funding and support offered by the community connectors, I didn’t know about them before. I am starting to feel more confident to ask for support. It was good to meet them in person.
Sometimes you don’t know where to start. Not many people ask about your needs, it is always about the person you support. I feel like I could approach anyone in the group, and they would all try and support me if I needed it. Kylie and Emma put in a lot of organising and planning to make sure we are included and heard in the group, I appreciate that.
The Wyndham Wellbeing Group is held on the last Monday of every month at the Quantin Binnah Community Centre in Werribee. New carers are always welcome. Find out more on our events page.
