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, 2012
Wednesday 18 April
10am to 4pm.
Full day bus trip to Mooney Mooney Workers Club for lunch.
Wednesday 25 April
Anzac Day, No Carers Group
TUESDAY 1st MAY
Special “working party” meeting to discuss information booklet for Carers.
Same room as usual, 10am til 11.30
Please come along if you are able, even for a short time.
Wednesday 2 May
10am to 12, Mosman Seniors Centre, Mosman Municipal Council
Kerry McCouat, Physiotherapist, Meditation and Relaxation
Wednesday 9 May
10am to 12pm, Harnett Room, Mosman Municipal Council
Support Group
Wednesday 16 May
10am to 12pm, Council Chambers
Information booklet “working party”
Wednesday 23 May
10am to 12pm, Harnett Room, Mosman Municipal Council
“Understanding changed behaviour” Donna Moore, Alzheimers NSW
Wednesday 30 May
10am to 4pm.
Full day bus trip, venue to be advised.
Wednesday 11 June
10am to 12pm, Harnett Room, Mosman Municipal Council
Kerry McCouat, Physiotherapist, Meditation and Relaxation.
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
Uniting Care Mental Health Carers Support Group
If you have a family member or care for someone with a mental illness then this support group is an opportunity for you to meet with other carers to gain mutual support and exchange information.
This two hour group also includes education on topics of relevance to mental illness and its impact on carers.
Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month:
Commencing: 11th May, 2011
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Place: Mosman Square Seniors Centre, Spit Junction
For more information call UCMH on 9481 0177.
