A new support group dedicated to carers is being established at the Lynbrook Community Centre, thanks to a partnership between the City of Casey and Uniting.
Through its 2019-20 budget, council has provided funding for the establishment of the Lynbrook Carers Hub, which will be run by Uniting on a weekly basic, kicking off on Friday 19 July.
The hub will be a space for carers to connect with other carers, access carer supports and look after their wellbeing, with weekly activities and guest speakers.
City of Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon encouraged local carers to come along and for residents to spread the word to carers they know in the Casey community.
“Carers do such an amazing job, and this is one of the ways we want to help give them support, friendship and some time out for themselves,” Cr Stapledon said.
“There are many people in our community who have assumed a primary caring role looking after a loved one who might have a disability, illness or is ageing.
“As a carer, it is important to look after your own health and wellbeing and we hope that the Lynbrook Carers Hub will provide some much-needed support to the carers in our community; it is also important not to be isolated.
“This initiative was one of the key projects I pushed to support during my Mayoral term as it’s something I’m very passionate about, and I’m thrilled to see that the Lynbrook Carers Hub is now launching in a partnership with Uniting.”
Felicity Preston from Uniting, who will be facilitating the weekly sessions, said that their organisation has seen the benefit that an ongoing support groups can provide for carers, having implemented carer hubs and peer support opportunities in other regions.
“We’re excited about this opportunity to work alongside City of Casey in establishing a regular and consistent support for carers in their community, especially as the aged and disability sectors are experiencing such drastic changes,” she said.
“Our aim is that the hub will create a safe space for support and emotional wellbeing, but also provide practical tips as we incorporate educational speakers and workshops. This initiative is a recognition of the valuable contribution of the caring role in the community.”
The Lynbrook Carers Hub is open to you if:
You are supporting a person with a mental illness, disability, chronic illness, or who is frail aged.
You, or the person you care for, live in the City of Casey.
The carers hub will run every Friday during school terms between 10am – 2pm at the Lynbrook Community Centre. The group is free and lunch is provided each session.
To find out more and register to attend visit the Lynbrook Carers Hub page on the City of Casey website.
