By Danielle Kutchel
Casey carers have a new place to go for support, connection and compassion, with the official opening of a support hub at the Lynbrook Community Centre.
Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon officially opened the Lynbrook Carers Hub on Friday 20 September during her Mayor’s Walk for Disability.
The group is open to carers who are supporting a person with a mental illness, disability, chronic illness or who is frail or aged, if they or the person they care for lives in the City of Casey.
The hub is run by Uniting on a weekly basis, and provides a space for carers to connect with other carers, access support and look after their wellbeing, with weekly activities and guest speakers.
Funding for its establishment was provided in this year’s council budget.
Cr Stapledon encouraged local carers to visit the group.
“As a carer, it is important to look after your own health and well-being 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. 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,” she added.
Felicity Preston from Uniting, who facilitates the weekly sessions, said that their organisation has seen the benefit that ongoing support groups can provide for carers, having implemented carer hubs and peer support opportunities in other regions.
“Our aim is that the hub will create a safe space for support and emotional well-being, but also provide practical tips as we incorporate educational speakers and workshops,” she said.
The Lynbrook Carers Hub runs every Friday during school terms from 10.00 am until 2.00 pm 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.
