Carers getting together to chat

PLANNING FOR CARER SUPPORT… From left, carer, Melita Samovojska, FamilyCare carer support coordinators, Deb Qemal, Kerry Foyster, Goulburn Valley Area Mental Health carer consultant, Deb Rachele, Wellways family services worker, Rylee Simm, Villa Maria Catholic Homes’ carer support worker, Mary Bourke and carer, Janelle Poar. Photo: Katelyn Morse.
PLANNING FOR CARER SUPPORT… From left, carer, Melita Samovojska, FamilyCare carer support coordinators, Deb Qemal, Kerry Foyster, Goulburn Valley Area Mental Health carer consultant, Deb Rachele, Wellways family services worker, Rylee Simm, Villa Maria Catholic Homes’ carer support worker, Mary Bourke and carer, Janelle Poar. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

They don’t come across as superheroes however there are countless people in our communities who put their life on hold in order to make life better for someone less able.

It is estimated that there are some 870,000 primary carers around Australia who provide informal assistance to another individual. This week, 13 to 20 October, is Carers Week. A week to acknowledge the service carers provide.

“The main issues are social isolation,” said Janelle Poar, a carer of two girls with special needs. “What social life?” said Melita Samovojska, a carer of her 87-year-old nan and her stepfather who suffered a heart attack.

Shepparton is fortunate to have a number of agencies who provide support to carers and this week, they have joined forces to bring about an event that will allow carers to come together. Where possible, they should bring the person they care for to a networking barbeque at Victoria Park where they can meet with others with similar responsibilities.

“The day is to let people know they are not alone,” said Deb Qemal, a carer support coordinator with Familycare.

“There are some 300 to 400 registered carers in Shepparton with many more who are not registered,” said Mary Bourke, a carer support worker with Villa Maria Catholic Homes.

The barbeque is being held at Victoria Park, Shepparton on Wednesday 16 October from 12.00