This week is National Carers Week, an opportunity to recognise and acknowledge the work carers do each day.
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to people who are living with a disability, frail aged person, living with mental illness or living with an ongoing medical condition. Carers can be parents, children, partners, siblings, other relatives or friends.
In Knox we have 17,000 carers, including Guy who is a carer for his brother Noah.
The Rowville brothers have lots in common, they both love the Geelong Cats and playing footy. Noah plays All Abilities Basketball at Mullum Mullum stadium every week and they both cherish their family and friends.
Guy shared that “having Noah as my brother has made me a better, stronger and more caring person”.
People become carers in different ways. For some, it might be something that happens gradually over time, helping more and more as an individual requires more support. It also may also happen suddenly for example the individual has an accident and they need immediate support.
As carers, the support they provide can include assisting with a variety of personal care, health care, transport, administrative support, cognitive emotional tasks, household chores and other activities.
Within Knox, we have a range of supports available to support carers including weekly carers exercise groups (both in person and online), carer support groups, monthly pathway for carers walks and regular webinars and information sessions.
For more information on the ongoing support available for carers visit here
Events taking place this week
During Carers Week, we invite carers in Knox to come along and connect with other carers through a range of free activities taking place including:
Tuesday 17 October
- 10am – 12.00pm: EACH Family Relationship Support for Carers, Knox Community Arts Centre. Register via Sticky Tickets
- 10.30am – 1.00pm: Journaling and Jewellery making, Coonara Community House. Bookings – 9758 7081
