This week is National Carers Week, an opportunity to recognise and acknowledge the work carers do each day.
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to people who are living with a disability, frail aged person, living with mental illness or living with an ongoing medical condition.
Carers can be parents, children, partners, siblings, other relatives or friends.
In Knox we have 17,000 carers, including Guy who is a carer for his brother Noah.
The Rowville brothers have lots in common, they both love the Geelong Cats and playing footy.
Noah plays All Abilities Basketball at Mullum Mullum stadium every week and they both cherish their family and friends.
Guy shared that “having Noah as my brother has made me a better, stronger and more caring person”.
People become carers in different ways.
For some, it might be something that happens gradually over time, helping more and more as an individual requires more support.
It also may also happen suddenly for example the individual has an accident and they need immediate support.
As carers, the support they provide can include assisting with a variety of personal care, health care, transport, administrative support, cognitive emotional tasks, household chores and other activities.
Within Knox, there are a range of supports available to support carers including weekly carers exercise groups (both in person and online), carer support groups, monthly pathway for carers walks and regular webinars and information sessions.
For more information on the ongoing support available for carers, visit our Support for Carers page.
During Carers Week this week, Knox City Council invite carers in Knox to come along and connect with other carers through a range of free activities taking place including:
Tuesday 17 October
10am – 12.00pm: EACH Family Relationship Support for Carers, Knox Community Arts Centre. Register via Sticky Tickets
10.30am – 1.00pm: Journaling and Jewellery making, Coonara Community House. Bookings – 9758 7081
2.00pm – 3.30pm: Relaxation and Wellbeing workshop for carers. Bookings: 9801 1895 or email onhbookings@netspace.net.au
Wednesday 18 October
12.30pm – 1.30pm: Come n Try carers exercise class, Knox Leisureworks Boronia. Bookings: email Belinda.Carney@knox.vic.gov.au
1.30pm – 2.30pm: De-stress with a Bollywood style delight, Rowville Community Centre. Bookings 9764 1166 or email info@communitylc.org.au
Thursday 19 October
11.30am start: Carers Walk, meet at Billy’s Kitchen, Knox Ozone. No bookings required.
Friday 20 October
10am – 12pm: Make a macramé wall hanging, Mountain District Learning Centre. Bookings: 9758 7859.
Throughout the week
Enjoy a free swim for “We Care” card holders every day during the week at Knox Leisureworks Boronia.
No bookings required.
