The Sydney Local Health District Carers Program team recognised National Carers Week (13 – 18 October) through multiple events across hospitals and facilities. 
 

Information stalls were available each day at different locations and the week concluded with a morning tea and networking session at Concord Hospital for community members and staff. 

With at least 54,000 carers in the District and staff carers who have a caring role outside their normal work, the week was a wonderful opportunity to showcase partnership, share knowledge and connect with others.  

Matthew Halpin, District Director Consumer and Community Participation and lead for the District Carers Program welcomed participants to the events at Concord Hospital and invited the group to utilise the services available through District hospitals and partners.  

“There are times where in the carer journey the experience can be extremely tiring and stressful, and we know that it’s often a thankless role and done purely out of love but the people you care for and health staff appreciate all the support you provide,” he said. 

“Enjoy these small moments we have today, to grab a cuppa, explore some of the support provided across our service and through community organisations such as Carer Gateway and One Door Mental Health. For those who may be staff carers, MDOK (My District OK) offers many fantastic wellbeing programs and great advice.” 

Representatives from the District’s dental health services, the Aged Health, Chronic Care & Rehabilitation team and the Population Health team were also present to share resources about dementia, allied health services, healthy ageing, and aged care support. 

Morning tea at Concord Hospital was followed by a Wellness Session, hosted by Nickolas Yu, District Program Manager, Staff Wellness and Patient and Family Centred Care, to connect, share experiences, and learn wellbeing techniques. 

“I reckon two of the best friends that you could ever have as a carer: one is called mindfulness, and the other is self-compassion,” he shared. 

Participants found the session insightful and learned some great skills to help them on their carer journey. 

National Carers Week is a time to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness about the three million Australians who provide care to a family member or friend. In Sydney Local Health District, carers can access resources at the Carers website. 

The Carer Program team also runs Carers Health and Thoughts (CHAT), an online registry of carers who live in the District and which aims to improve communication about relevant carer initiatives, resources and experiences. Carers are invited to join the registry online.