Carer information sessions to boost advocacy

Providing care and support to a family member, friend or loved one with an illness or disability can be a trying experience.

With this in mind, the Hunter New England Health EduCARE Support Service will be hosting three information sessions for carers in a bid to improve their health and wellbeing.

The sessions are free of charge and will allow carers the opportunity to meet with representatives from Centrelink as well as a panel of Community Service organisations. Gaining advice from experts will allow carers to properly assess their financial situation and make sure they are gaining the right amount of support.

“We often see that carers let their own needs fall by the wayside when caring for another. These sessions will provide a friendly atmosphere for education, planning and advocacy, and will hopefully boost the confidence of all carers who attend,” EDuCARE Service Manager Rose Blue said.

Other topics discussed over the course of the sessions will include stress management, effective and practical caring skills and legal issues. Respite is available to all carers who want to attend the three sessions by contacting the Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre on 1800 052 222.

The sessions will run each Thursday between 22 July and 5 August 2010 at The Hunter Resource Centre, 2 Percy Street, Hamilton. Sessions commence at 9:30am and will finish at 2pm, with a free morning tea and light lunch provided each day.

For more information or to register interest in the seminars, carers can contact EDuCARE on (02) 4921 4895 or 1300 887 776. Carers can also email

educare-admin@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au to RSVP for catering purposes.