Celebrating National Carers Week

Council has partnered with Carers Victoria to provide free health and wellbeing workshops for unpaid carers living in the City of Whittlesea throughout October in recognition of National Carers Week — 11-17 October.

Workshop themes centre around communication, setting boundaries and dealing with frustration.

Included in the six-part series of workshops, youth advocate Chloe Hayden will lead a special session on Life on the Autism Spectrum.

Manager Family, Children and Young People Wendy Castles said Chloe’s session would provide insights for parents and carers of young people with autism into how they can best support their child’s developmental journey.

“Chloe will talk about her experience at school, her diagnoses, learning more about her mental health and how important it is to focus on strengths not weaknesses,” Wendy said.

Chair, Panel of Administrators, Ms Lydia Wilson said Carers Week was a great opportunity to recognise and support the 33,000 carers living in the City of Whittlesea.

“Council acknowledges the tireless work of all carers living in our community and thanks those who are caring for loved ones around the clock,” Ms Wilson said.

“Being an unpaid carer is a situation that many people find themselves taking on rather than seeking out.

“Circumstances may involve the need to care for a family member or friend living with a mental or physical health disability, a chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or someone who is ageing and frail.

“We hope that our carers can take some time out and attend a free workshop during October to hear from people in similar circumstances and know they are not alone.”

• Monday 12 October 2020 I Communication with family and friends
• Tuesday 13 October 2020 I Communication with professionals
• Wednesday 14 October I Strong boundaries, strong carers
• Thursday 15 October 2020 I I feel so guilty
• Friday 16 October I Carers get angry too
• Wednesday 21 October 2020 I Life on the Autism Spectrum with Chloe Hayden

For more information contact Council’s Access team, phone 9217 2028 or email access@whittlesea.vic.gov.au