The highly successful Gwydir Shire Carers’ Project finished up last Friday with the launch of some general carer resources and a selection of books and DVDs on mental health issues at the Warialda Library.

Hunter New England Health’s Carer Support Liaison Officer for the Northern Sector, Carmel McNeill, said the project recognised some 80 local people in the Shire who currently provide a caring role for a family member or friend.

"In Australia there are 2.6 million carers, with 78 percent of them living with a person who is frail aged, has a physical or intellectual disability, chronic condition, or mental illness," Carmel said.

"The majority of carers are female (78%), and 170, 000 carers are under 18 years of age. The caring role can be incredibly demanding and the project aimed to provide them with some support, in the form of education, resources and activities."

Presentations over the past twelve months included eight stress and medication management sessions, a three-day Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder workshop, a two-day Mental Health First Aid session, and the Carers’ Week 2006 launch of the New England Photo-Voice Project at Bingara’s Roxy Theatre.

"Thanks to the project, Gwydir Shire Council now has a register of Gwydir carers who are interested in future activities, resources, or education. A little support goes a long way for carers who are rarely recognised for their hard work and dedication," she said.

The Gwydir Shire Carers’ Project was made possible through a one-off NSW Carers’ Program grant of $42,000 auspiced by Hunter New England Health. It provided carer support and education free to carers in Bingara, Warialda, Gravesend, Delungra, Coolatai, Croppa Creek, North Star and Upper Horton.

Project Manager Rod Smith and Project Officer Leanne Turner planned and developed a Gwydir Carers’ Information brochure, a carers’ resource bag, and information and education sessions covering a diverse range of caring situations.

Carmel said there are many people to thank for the success of this project. She said the hard work and detailed planning of Rod Smith and Leanne Turner, support from Gwydir Shire Council, and commitment from Moree staff who provide the library service to Bingara and Warialda, were all outstanding.

"But our greatest thanks must go to the carers and workers from the eight communities involved. They are outstanding individuals," she said.