News and events for unpaid family and friend carers in WA.
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Caring Matters E-Bulletin | October 2022
National Carers Week 2022
National Carers Week 2022
There are millions of reasons to care! This National Carers Week we celebrate your contributions, along with the 2.65 million other carers in our community who provide more than 42 million hours of unpaid care every week.
As carers, you are an essential part of our health system. You are the foundation of our aged, disability, palliative, and community care systems. This week we acknowledge your work and celebrate your contribution to our community.
For information about local WA Carers Week activities click here.
Events
Carers WA Conference 2022
Due to popular demand, we're offering an extra 50 free in-person tickets to carers registered with Carers WA - but you better get in quick!
Emceed by journalist and broadcaster Mark Gibson, this two day conference will comprise of a diverse range of content, including plenary sessions, panel discussions, a fireside chat and breakout sessions. The program will also highlight initiatives aimed at enhancing carer health, wellbeing and resilience.
Highlights from the two days will include:
- Hearing from carers with lived experience.
- Choosing from of over 15 breakout sessions.
- Access to the Salvation Army Wellness Room.
- Q&A's with industry professionals and carers.
- Delicious food across morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.
- Gift bag on arrival and a special 'thank you' gift on day two as you leave.
When: Thursday, 13th & Friday, 14th October 2022.
Where: Online or in-person at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Registrations: Click here.
Great Southern Road Trip
If you are caring for a family or friend in the great southern region and would like more information on Carers WA supports and services, keep an eye out for our community engagement van, Priscilla, this National Carers Week.
When: Travelling between locations from Tuesday, 11th to Wednesday, 19th October 2022.
Where: Yarloop, Manjimup, Pemberton, Albany Abilities Festival, Wellstead, Jerramungup, Lake Grace, Pingrup, and Kulin.
For more information click here.
Carers WA Annual General Meeting
All Carers WA members are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting this October.
Where: The Carer Centre, 182 Lord Street, Perth.
When: Wednesday, 26th October 2022 | 10.00am – 11.00am.
RSVP: Friday, 7th October 2022.
Please RSVP by email or for further information, please contact Bianca Vavra, Executive Support Officer on 1300 227 377.
Carers Week Webinar Series
Join us from the comfort of your own home this National Carers Week for some fun and informative webinars. With plenty of choice, you can learn something new, or take the time to relax. All webinars are free to attend.
- 17th October | Webinar: Managing Stress and Anxiety
- 17th October | Online Class: Tai Chi & Qi Gong
- 18th October | Online Class: Pink Flamingo Painting Class
- 18th October | Webinar: How did you sleep last night?
- 19th October | Webinar: Caring with Dietary & Lifestyle Practices
- 19th October | Online Class: Yoga
- 20th October | Webinar: Move Improve Remove
- 21st October | Online Class: Breathe & Stretch to Reduce Stress
For more information or to register click here.
Qigong Workshop
Carers WA is inviting you to energize your state of mind and strengthen your body with Qigong.
Qigong is a life force cultivation exercise. It makes the body strong and supple, improving balance, stamina and flexibility. It also has positive effects on the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, immune and central nervous systems.
Where: Wetlands Education Centre Cockburn | 184 Hope Road, Bibra Lake.
When: Every Wednesday, 12th October - 16th November| 10.00am - 11.00am.
Register your interest here.
Compassion Fatigue and Healthy Boundaries Workshop
Carers WA presents an interactive workshop for carers exploring some of the common challenges experienced when caring for a family member, friend or loved one. Together, we will practice self-supporting behaviours and learn skills to create longevity and resilience within the caring role.
Where: Thornlie Park Centre Meeting Room | 50-60 Thornlie Ave, Thornlie.
When: Monday, 24th October 2022 | 10.00am - 12.00pm.
Register your interest here.
Home Lifesavers Course - Bunbury
Are you a carer who would like to learn some essential lifesaving skills that may assist you in your caring role at home?
If the answer is yes, Carers WA would like to invite you to attend our Home Life Savers Course!
This community education program, run by Surf Life Saving WA, is designed to equip you with essential skills and knowledge to carry out first aid treatments in your home.
Where: Bunbury Library | Parkfield Street, Bunbury 6230.
When: Wednesday, 23rd November 2022 | 10.00am - 1.00pm.
For more information and to register click here.
Financial support & education for older women
Understanding your finances, setting financial goals and how technology can help. Learn how to avoid financial abuse and scams along with other online banking and tips on managing financial challenges and debts.
Where: Fremantle Library | Walyalup Civic Centre 151 High Street Fremantle, WA 6160.
Date: Thursday, 20th October 2022.
Register your interest:
9.30am - 10.30pm | Managing your money
12.00pm - 1.00pm | Making money decisions
1.30pm - 2.30pm | Planning for the future
News & Updates
Anne Bluntish Retreat
Anne Bluntish has been a carer most of her life. This inspired her to provide a subsidised option for carers in need of a break. Located on the South Perth Esplanade Foreshore, this apartment has been named in her honour and overlooks the Swan River and Perth CBD. It provides a quiet, contemplative and restorative environment in which carers can recharge. To find out more click here.
Lifelong Learning College
The Lifelong Learning College (LLC) is a program that has been designed to build capacity for people with disability and their unpaid family carer/s.
The program encourages education, building informal networks, and creating relationships in an inclusive community-based setting.
To find out more click here.
Carers Connect to Education and Employment
Are you looking for support to start education or employment?
The Carers Connect program provides an opportunity to study and/or gain employment in the Care Industry (e.g Aged Care, Community Service, Disability, Health Care and Mental Health) or another industry with skills shortages.
Eligible
participants will have access to:
- A Career Counsellor to assist with identifying skills and addressing barriers plus creating an individualised goal plan.
- Ongoing coaching and mentoring to support with job skills and pathways to employment.
- Assistance to select and enrol in an accredited training course.
- Financial assistance package to help achieve career objectives.
To express your interest in this program or for more information, visit the website or email carers.connect@carerswa.asn.au.
Connect Up!
Carers WA are in the process of developing an online social connection portal called 'Connect Up!' In its final stages of testing, we are now inviting enthusiastic and forward thinking individuals like yourself to be the very first to give it a go!
To take part you will be:
- A person with disability or a carer of a person with disability.
- Willing to share your thoughts and feedback through questionnaires and interviews.
Register your interest here.
Carers WA International Pen Pal Program
The program is almost 100% run by, and directed by, the carer.
As a participant, you are not only able to receive personalised support from someone who empathises with your specific circumstances, but you are able to lift one another up.
You can sign up now to receive your very own welcome pack, including your first three stamps and everything you need to get started.
Register your interest here.
Got a question?
Call 1300 227 377 or email info@carerswa.asn.au
If you are feeling overwhelmed or are seeking help with mental or emotional stress, we encourage you to contact Australia's helpline specialists that operate 24/7, built to support everyone, all year round.
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service:
1300 659 467
Immediate Risk of Harm:
Triple Zero (000)
