The Mayor's Column
Carers Week which took place last week has once again focussed attention on a very special group in our community we know as Carers. Carers are usually family members who provide support to children or adults who have a disability, mental health problem, chronic condition or who are frail aged. Carers may care part-time around work commitments or all day every day.
It would surprise many to know that 11% of the population of NSW are Carers.
Generally the community is not aware of the commitment made by Carers as the caring, for the most part, takes place at home, although neighbours and friends often lend a hand. This makes them carers too.
Mosman Carers’ Support Group has been meeting since 2003 when it was initiated by Mosman Council in response to the lack of formal support services for Carers. In their discussions many matters are raised from personal experiences, some of which make them weep and some make them howl with laughter, to concerns regarding such matters as financial security, access to training and social support. They experience frustrations with lack of opportunity to balance workforce participation with carer responsibilities, the complexity of service provision, difficulty in getting information about relevant services and most importantly the paucity of respite places which they often desperately need.
We as a community may not be able to solve all their problems but we should be able to show that we care and we should be able to help more. The first step in that process is to identify the issues they face and the needs of those they care for.
Please join us in our Community Conversations, “Who Cares?” to be held on Monday 5 November 12.00 noon to 2.00pm at Mosman Art Gallery and on Wednesday 7 November, 6.00pm to 8.00pm at Mosman Art Gallery, corner of Myahgah Road & Art Gallery Way (formerly Short Street).
A meal will be served on both occasions so if you are attending please let us know by phoning Sharrone Conway on 9978 4233 or email s.conway@mosman.nsw.gov.au
I’d love to see you there and look forward to hearing your ideas. Let’s try to make a difference.
Cr Denise Wilton, Mayor of Mosman
