Many in the community support a family member, friend or client who has a disability, mental illness, substance dependency, chronic condition, terminal condition or age related frailty.

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For many it is a 24 hour, seven days a week role, often with little chance of respite and self care.

“Most carers not only desperately need some respite from their carer role, they need to be able to talk with like minded people in similar situations,” said Bev Reedy, coordinator of a Nambucca Heads-based support group for carers.

During the week, Helen Allen and Glenys Horne of the Uniting Church handed over a donation of $200 to carer Jane Grace, representing the Support Group for Our Everlasting Carers.

“We care very much about the wellbeing of carers in our community and want to support them as much as we can so enabling carers to get an occasional break is important to us,” Helen told News Of The Area.

Both Helen and Glenys are carers themselves and know first-hand the importance of respite.

“If you do not have the right support available, caring responsibilities often take over, and can negatively affect the carer’s health and wellbeing, often impacting on their ability to participate in paid work, family life and social and community activities,” Bev Reedy added.

“The Support Group for Our Everlasting Carers offers an opportunity for carers to come and have a break from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on the first Tuesday of each month at Health One, 4 Fred Brain Avenue Newville, Nambucca Heads.

“[Carers] can have a cup of tea with other carers and even be assisted with connecting with support services.”

By Mick BIRTLES