Carers
Mosman Carers’ Group – Caring for Carers
The Mosman Carers’ Group was formed in 2004 in response to an identified need for a local support group.
Local service providers and Carers themselves were consulted and asked for input about how the group should be set up, and the outcome was a group that meets weekly in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere every Wednesday morning from 10am to 12 noon in the Harnett Rooms at Mosman Council.
The group is an open one, with those attending caring for family and friends with illnesses ranging from Dementia / Alzheimers disease, terminal illness and mental and physical disabilities as well as mental health issues.
There are weekly guest speakers and these important and informative sessions cover subjects such as Dementia / Alzheimers disease, grief and loss, legal issues, relaxation and meditation and many, many more.
There are monthly support group / get togethers when Carers come together to have chat over a cup of tea and a full day bus outing every three months, Carers say they find these outings a wonderful break and respite from their caring role.
Feedback from the Carers has been very positive, they say they find the group extremely valuable, appreciating the information, guest speakers and referrals as well as the relaxed and friendly atmosphere (also the laughter which plays a big part in the meetings!) and wonderful friendships have formed.
A vital part of the group is the friendship and support Carers give one another, they know only too well the highs and lows, frustrations and difficulties of being a Carer and are able to listen and offer advice and understanding.
One Carer said that “I would not have survived without the Carers group” and another said “I value the group so much, I was never able to open up about my feelings but now find I can speak freely about how I feel, it has been an amazing help.”
The weekly meetings are not only valuable for the information and support Carers receive, they also act as respite, a short break or ‘time out’ for Carers, the full day outings are also a well needed often vital break for Carers.
Mosman Carers Group recognised with state award
In November 2011, Mosman Carers Group was awarded a NSW Local Carers Award for 2011 for the category of Carers Support Group.
The award recognises “ the outstanding contribution of individuals and organisations that care for people in New South Wales and acknowledges that the caring contributes positively to the person for whom they care and to the Mosman community as a whole.”
At a special morning tea to celebrate the award , Cr Ann Connon, Mayor of Mosman congratulated the group and said that the award was well deserved.
Carers are wonderful people who care for relatives or friends who have an illness, Dementia or a disability and the friendships, knowledge and understanding they share through the group help develop coping strategies that are invaluable to their often difficult caring role.
All Carers deserve to be recognised, congratulated and thanked for all they do.
Guest speakers, 2013
Wednesday 8 May
10am – 12pm, Harnett Room, Mosman Municipal Council
Pam Davies, Alzheimers NSW. Transition to Residential Care / Your Feelings / Strategies for Coping.
Wednesday 15 May
10am – onwards.
Morning tea at Café Jam, upstairs at Bridgepoint Shopping Centre
Wednesday 22 May
10am -12pm, Harnett Room, Mosman Municipal Council
Kerry McCouat, Physiotherapist, Relaxation and Meditation
Wednesday 29 May
10am – 4pm, Full Day bus trip
Lunch at Scarborough Hotel, near Wollongong.
Wednesday 5 June
10am – 12pm, Harnett Room, Mosman Municipal Council
Ann Cantor, Art Therapist, “Come along and have some fun, definitely no talent needed !”
Wednesday 12 June
NO CARERS GROUP TODAY!
Saturday Respite Service
Mosman Council offers a Saturday respite service to support carers of frail aged people, those with dementia or younger people with a disability.
It runs fortnightly on Saturdays from 10am to 3pm and is located at the Mosman Day Centre, Ellamatta Avenue, Mosman.
Pick up by bus can be organised if a resident of Mosman, Cremorne or Neutral Bay. Morning tea and lunch are provided.
Your Council contact
Liz Nagel, Carers Group Facilitator, Mosman Council
Phone: 9978 4089
Mob: 0419 784 089
Email
Mental Health Carer Support
Do you care for someone that has a mental illness? Do you need support? In addition to the Mosman Carers Group, there are specific mental health carers programs.
Bradfield Park Carers Program, based at Milsons Point, aims to meet the individual needs and promote the health and wellbeing for carers of people with mental illness. For further information phone 8920 0675 or visit their website at bradfieldpark.org.au
The Schizophrenia Fellowship conducts a support group at Crows Nest on the 1st Thursday of the month at 7.30pm. Enquiries: Joan/Suzanne 0451 038 307
Uniting Care Mental Health Family and Carers program operates carer support groups at Dee Why, Ryde and Hornsby. Enquiries 9481 0177.
Carers NSW operate a Carer Line on Ph 1800 242 636 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (freecall) and after hours contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
