Taking care of carers

UNPAID carers will have a fun day out at Akoonah Park in Berwick next week.
Carer’s Big Day Out will be held on 6 December between 10am and 2pm and will be hosted by the City of Casey, City of Greater Dandenong and Cardinia Shire Council.
Carers provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail aged.
Caring can be enriching and rewarding, deepening friendships and relationships, but it can also be demanding, challenging and socially isolating.
City of Casey Mayor Shar Balmes said the event was designed to recognise and honour the contribution unpaid carers make to the community.
“More than 2.6 million Australians provide help and support to a family member or friend and this is an opportunity for them to take some time out, relax and be pampered,” Cr Balmes said.
“At the event carers will also be able to gain information about how their community can support them as a carer.”
Carers Australia president Tim Moore said carers were a diverse group of people coming from all walks of life and were the foundation of aged, disability, community, mental health and palliative care systems.
“Without carers, these systems would simply collapse,” Mr Moore said.
Activities available on the day will include massages, pedicures, facials, African drumming, art, a men’s discussion group, gardening presentations, health check-ups, face painting, singing and tai chi.
Transport can be arranged and a complimentary shuttle bus will operate from Berwick Railway Station, however, bookings are essential.
For more information, or to book transport, contact City of Casey Customer Service on 9705 5200.