National Carers Week is about recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution unpaid carers make to our nation.
Tweddle’s six MyTime groups across Melbourne’s west are where carers of children with special needs can connect with others facing the same challenges. Every week over 86 families regularly attend MyTime groups in Avondale Heights, Sunshine, Point Cook, Werribee, Wyndham Vale and Newport.
According to the ABS, in 2015 there were 2.7 million unpaid carers in Australia with the replacement value of the unpaid care being over $1 billion per week. Almost all primary carers (96%) care for a family member and over half care undertake this role for at least 20 hours per week.
It’s crucial that carers take the time for self care. Nurturing your own mental and physical health, establishing time for partners, getting enough sleep, reconnecting with an old hobby and staying in touch with friends and family will help minimise the stress that impacts the caring role.
During Carers Week, Tweddle’s MyTime team are inviting anyone caring for a child with additional needs aged from birth to 18 years to phone Kylee Brealey or LeAnn Williams to talk about coming along to one of Tweddle’s six MyTime groups to chat to others and to meet the facilitators.
You can call Tweddle on 9689 1577 during business hours or Carers Australia who offer counselling, advice and information on 1800 242 636.
Visit Tweddle’s MyTime page for more information
