Inform yourself at Carer Information Evening

With more than 10 per cent of the population taking care of a family member, friend or loved one, the health of carers is becoming increasingly important.

With this in mind, the Hunter New England Local Health District EDuCARE Support Service will be providing a free Carer Information Evening in August to support and educate carers to maintain their health and wellbeing.

EDuCARE Support Service Coordinator Maryann Vandervoort said being a carer is rewarding but can also be stressful and exhausting.

“We discuss stress and emotions and we assist carers to formulate strategies to cope with these feelings,” she said.

“We often see carers put their own needs last and we are passionate about ensuring carers know about the services that they can access, and develop strategies to maintain their health and wellbeing.”

Ms Vandervoort said gaining advice from experts allows carers to assess their circumstances.

“It means they can take advantage of the support available and make any changes necessary to better manage in their caring role,” she said.

Present at the Carer Information Evening will be legal representatives, EDuCARE Support Service Staff and representatives from the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre.

The Carer Information Evening will be held at Cardiff RSL, 45 Macquarie Road, Cardiff on Wednesday 17 August 2011 from 6pm until 9pm. The evening will include a light supper.
 
Respite is available by contacting the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222, for carers wishing to attend the workshops and requiring respite.

For more information or to register interest for the workshops, carers can contact EDuCARE on (02) 4921 4895 or 1300 887 776.  Alternately carers can also email
educare-admin@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au to RSVP for catering purposes.

Contact: Abbey Wright

Phone: (02) 4921 4477