News and events for unpaid family and friend carers in WA.
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Caring Matters E-Bulletin | November 2022
Carers WA New CEO
After a rigorous recruitment process, the Board of Carers WA is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Newman as the new CEO of Carers WA.
Long-serving Carers WA CEO, Paul Coates, will be retiring later in the year.
Richard will be transitioning from his current role as the Head of Service Delivery for Carers WA. He brings more than 20 years’ experience in community services across the aged care, disability, carers support and mental health sectors.
Besides working as Head of Service Delivery for Carers WA for nearly two years, Richard has most recently been the Regional Operations Manager for Activ Foundation, and before that worked for Masonic Care, MercyCare, Avivo and Umbrella – just to name a few. Richard has also been on numerous Boards including the Ministerial Carers Advisory Council and SHINE Community Services.
Carers WA is confident that Richard’s depth and breadth of experience will provide a sound basis for the continued growth of the organisation, as we represent the needs and interest of carers in our state and strive for your improved quality of life.
Richard will be effective in his new role from Thursday, 17th November 2022.
Events
Be the voice for all carers!
Use your experience as a carer to stand up for and represent the voice of all carers in your community. Benefits of the program include the opportunity to meet and discuss issues with other carers, learn new skills, develop confidence, make a real difference to the way carers are treated in the health and mental health systems – and so much more!
Attend our upcoming Carer Representation Orientation, a half-day information session which shows how your lived experience can influence change.
Where: The Carer Centre, 182 Lord Street, PERTH 6000.
When: Wednesday, 23rd November 2022 | 9:30am to 1:30pm.
RSVP: Monday, 21st November 2022. RSVP is essential for catering purposes and room capacity (morning tea and lunch will be provided).
Register your interest here.
Home Lifesavers - Bunbury
Are you a carer who would like to learn some essential lifesaving skills that may assist you in your caring role at home?
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.
When: Wednesday, 23rd November 2022 | 10.00am - 1.00pm.
Register your interest here.
Compassion Fatigue and Healthy Boundaries (Online)
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: Online
When: Wednesday, 30th November 2022 | 10.00am - 12.00pm.
Register your interest here.
Carers WA Mid West Road Trip
If you are caring for a family or friend in the mid west region of WA and would like more information on Carers WA supports and services, keep an eye out for our community engagement van, Priscilla, this month.
When: Travelling between locations from Tuesday, 15th November to Thursday, 17th November 2022.
Where: Cue, Meekatharra, Mullewa, Dalwallinu and Wongan Hills.
For more information click here.
Seeing Yourself
This workshop is facilitated by Louisa Holmes, a registered Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor.
Louisa will assist you to see yourself with more clarity and build an understanding of how to look after yourself in your day-to-day life and caring role. The workshop will aim to lift you out of the “stuckness” and disconnection that we fall into at times.
Where: Thornlie Park Centre Meeting Room | 50-60 Thornlie Ave, Thornlie.
When: Monday, 21st November 2022 | 10.00am - 12.00pm.
Register your interest here.
NDIS Early Connections, under the Early Childhood Approach
Providing quality supports early in a child's life can improve their long term outcomes. 'Early Connections' is a national approach to support children younger than 7 and their families.
If you are caring for a child and have concerns about their development, or if your child has disability, the NDIA invite you to attend their online sessions about 'Early Connections'.
Where: Online
When: Sessions available throughout November.
Register your interest here.
Be Job Ready - February 2023 Courses
Expressions of interest for the next Be Job Ready courses are now open.
This course is specifically designed to assist carers interested in gaining paid employment, by providing realistic information and practical skills that can be utilised to secure and maintain employment.
The program is delivered over 10 weekly sessions (2 hour duration) with key job-related skills and techniques covered in each session. These sessions will include information on identifying transferrable skills, developing a resume, interview techniques, and job searching skills.
To be eligible for this course you will be:
- In an ongoing caring role, or have been in a caring role within the last 12 months.
- Aged between 14-65 years.
- Living in or near the Perth metropolitan area.
View experiences from previous participants of the program in this short video.
To register your interest or to find out more click here.
In-Person Peer Support
Our In-Person Peer Support group is now available online. The program provides an opportunity for carers to share their experience of being an unpaid carer, learn from others and develop a supportive network.
In-person support groups can provide a sense of empowerment, understanding and reduce feelings of social isolation.
Sessions are held over a series of weeks and there is no cost to you.
Register your interest 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. It also runs in conjunction with an In-Person Peer Support group for carers.
The next program commences in February 2023.
Register your interest click here.
News & Updates
Mobile Planners
Mobile Panners have recently been recruited by Carers WA to provide face to face planning sessions for Carer Gateway. Going forward, Mobile Planners will be available to meet with carers to identify their goals and ensure that an appropriate support plan is prepared, implemented, and evaluated. This can be in the carers home or in a community venue – e.g. library, coffee shop, park etc.
Mobile Planners will also liaise with a wide range of partner organisations to raise awareness of carers within the broader community as well as internal stakeholders.
If you are not already registered with Carers WA and would like to meet face to face with one of our Mobile Planners, please email mobileplanner@carerswa.asn.au
Carer Retreats
Do you need a break from your caring duties? Have you considered having a few days of respite in our Pembroke Court Retreat in Warnbro?
This 5 bedroom respite property, situated in a quiet cul-de-sac with uninterrupted views of the ocean, provides the perfect space to rest and recuperate. The property is available to carers registered with Carer Gateway for a nominal cost which can form part of your support package.
To find out more click here.
Connect Up!
Carers WA have teamed up with Curtin
University Research team, Health Redesigned and Eduka Web Design to develop an online social connection portal called ‘Connect Up!’
This portal will enable people with disability to;
• engage in the community,
• form social connections with peers,
• and increase opportunities for physical exercise, sport, and recreation.
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.
Carers WA AGM and Annual Report
This month we celebrated the Carers WA Annual General Meeting and the launch of the 2021/2022 Annual Report. Thank you to those in attendance for your support.
We welcome you to take a read of the Annual Report and catch up on the year that was at Carers WA.
To view the 2021/2022 Annual Report click here.
Have you seen the new Australian Government campaign promoting Carer Gateway?
Carer Gateway is a free support program for Australia’s 2.65 million unpaid carers, many of whom do not know that dedicated support is available to help them in their caring role.
Carers WA is proud to be the lead service provider in WA, delivering Carer Gateway services and supports to over 320,000 carers.
Many people can become an unpaid carer at one time in their lives, even temporarily – it’s not something that is usually planned for, it can just happen. When and if that time comes, people need to know where to go for support.
To find out more click here.
Young Carer Digital Art Competition
This October we celebrated the incredible talent of some of the young carers who entered the Carers WA Digital Art Competition.
Well done to all of our award winners!
To view submissions from the 2022 Art Competition click here.
Carers WA makes a splash!
What a day we had at the Bright Blue Picnic last month as part of National Carers Week.
Families in attendance enjoyed water slides, mini golf, mazes, koalas and much more!
Thanks to the support of Lotterywest for this special day out!
Carers WA Conference 2022
Thank you to everyone involved in the Carers WA Conference 2022. Developed as WA’s premier event, leading into and celebrating National Carers Week 2022, the program was curated to engage, inform and inspire, aligning with Carers WA continued overall vision of supporting a society where the role of a carer is valued and supported.
There were many session highlights including:
- Keynote speaker, former Police Commissioner for WA and carer with his own lived experience, Karl O’Callaghan.
- Associate Executive Director of Dementia Training Australia – Jason Burton with Advocare CEO - Louise Forster.
- Cultural presenter and proud Noongar Yamatji woman – Sharon Wood-Kenney.
Other conference highlights enjoyed by delegates, additional to the delicious catering throughout, included the “Welcome” satchel upon arrival, relaxation in The Wellness Room which was visited by beautiful calm therapy dogs, complementary photos at the Photo Stand … and even an impromptu sax performance by carer, Andrew!
Do you want to have a voice in how South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) delivers healthcare?
You can register to join this online community and be a part of the two way communication that includes:
· Sharing your ideas on how we can best deliver healthcare to the whole community.
· Being the first to learn about new initiatives.
· Commenting on draft consumer resources before they are published.
· Asking questions about the issues you would like to know more about.
· Contributing to interest groups to exchange and capture information.
To register your interest click 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)
