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Regional carers the focus at free expos
29 June 2009
Carers and interested community members from throughout northern NSW are being encouraged to take part in a series of Carer Expos being organised by Hunter New England Health during July and August.
Staff from Community Health including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, mental health workers, and carer support workers will be on-hand during the expos, as will representatives from Centrelink and the Commonwealth Carer and Respite Centre.
The expos are being held across four HNE Health Clusters: Mehi, Tablelands, Peel and McIntyre, and the events will share the central theme of “Creating a Carer Culture". Entry to the expos is free.
Carer Support Officer at Glen Innes Community Health, Michelle Goodwyn, said HNE Health was committed to working in partnership with carers, to support them in the vital role they perform.
“Caring involves many demands and challenges, including balancing the caring role with the carer’s other family and work responsibilities and the carer’s own needs. It can be a very difficult and emotionally trying job but it is one which carers take on with enormous amounts of love, patience and compassion,” Ms Goodwyn said.
“Community Health Centres and associated organisations can offer a range of support, advice and information for carers. The aim of these expos is to provide community members with an accessible, friendly portal through which they can gather more information about the local services available to help them in their role.”
The role of carers includes a range of activities, from providing ‘hands on’ personal care and household assistance, to motivating, supervising, encouraging, dealing with behavioural changes, providing companionship, supporting participation in the community, and obtaining and coordinating services.
“We want to make every effort to ensure carers are recognised, valued and respected, and that they have access to information, resources and opportunities to develop their skills to provide quality care,” Ms Goodwyn said.
Details for the Carer Expos are as follows:
Walcha - Thursday 2 July, Walcha Community Health, 10am to 2pm
Warialda – Wednesday 8 July, Warialda MPS, 9.30am to 12.30pm
Tenterfield – Tuesday 28 July, Tenterfield Hospital, 10am to 3pm
Glen Innes – Thursday 6 August, Garden Court, 10am to 3pm
Moree – Tuesday 11 August, Hospital, 10am to 2pm
(HNE-1890)
Contact: Carisa Green
Phone: (02) 6767 7135 or 0428 106 183
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