EDuCARE Carer Information

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Carer education and support within the Hunter

          EDUCARE CARER INFORMATION PROGRAM
          A course designed as a basic introduction to the caring role, for all carers to attend regardless of their situation.
          Courses are run at various time during the year and at a number of locations - check the EDuCARE calendar for details.

• DAY SESSIONS
  Held on a Thursday over three consecutive weeks.
  
• EVENING SESSIONS
  Held on a Tuesday evening over two weeks. The evening sessions are designed for Working Carers or those who would prefer to attend in the evening.
  
• SATURDAY SESSIONS
  Designed for Working Carers or those who are limited in their availability. The session is held on a Saturday morning, with the option to participate in the second evening session of the Evening Program.
  
  ONE DAY WORKSHOPS
  
• Health and wellbeing
  Topics presented are derived from feedback obtained directly from carers via evaluation forms and the Carer Reference Group.
  
• Parents/Carers of a child with a disability
  Designed for parents and/or carers who are looking after a child with a disability or chronic medical condition. Topics are specific to the needs of parents/carers.
  
• Christmas
  A chance for carers to relax and restore themselves before Christmas.
  
• Culturally and linguistically diverse carers
  Designed for carers from specific culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
  
  SHORT WORKSHOPS
  
• Young Carers Forums
  Held twice a year, the forums take place on a Saturday morning and provide young carers with the opportunity to have their input on EDuCARE resources and strategies, as well as take part in fun activities.
  
• Working Carers
  A two hour session designed for Working Carers at specific workplaces.
  
  CARER CONNECTIONS
  A two hour session designed to enable carers to catch up with each other over morning tea, with a guest speaker providing information on a topic identified as being of interest to carers.

Would you like to access these programs or workshops?
Do you know of a carer who may benefit from attending?
Do you know that carers can refer themselves to EDuCARE?
Would you like more information?
Then contact EDuCARE on: 1300 887 776 or 49214895. Respite care can be arranged.

To download EDuCARE's resource information, (click on the links below):

• EDuCARE brochure  ( pdf 335kb)
• EDuCARE brochure  Are you a parent/carer of a child with a disability or chronic illness?  (pdf 1165kb)
• EDuCARE brochure  Active Over 50's - (pdf 335kb)
• EDuCARE calendar of carer information sessions  (pdf 29kb)
• FACT SHEET for carers in the hospital - John Hunter Hospital ( 90kb) - Royal Newcastle Centre  (pdf  86kb)
• FACT SHEET for carers in the John Hunter Childrens' Hospital  (pdf 124kb)
• NEWSLETTER for carers January/February 2012 edition  (pdf 206b)

Rural Carer Support

Rural carers can often find themselves geographically isolated with limited access to existing services. Look out for our rural one day workshops held in various locations throughout the Lower and Upper Hunter.

Please contact us if there is nothing in your area. We can work in partnership with local health providers to organise education programs and support for carers.

Young Carers

EDuCARE provides support to young people aged between 8 -18 years residing within the Hunter. There are approximately 170,000 under the age of 18 in Australia, although this number is under-estimated because Young Carers remain hidden and not always formally identified (Carers NSW 2005). Young Carers usually have more responsibilities than other young people of their age and sometimes they share this role with other family members. The effects of caring have a huge impact on education, social, emotional and physical development often leading to stress, few friends and feelings of loneliness. EDuCARE offers support to these young people.