Skip to content
NSW Coat of Arms New South Wales Government New South Wales Department of Health South East Sydney Illawarra Health Service
South East Sydney Illawarra Health Service  
 
Print this page Reduce font size Increase font size
  South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Health Service
 

02 October 2008

Focus on carers

To mark Carers Week (19-25 October) South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health (SESIH) will host free events for those in the community who care for someone with a mental illness. Carers Week aims to celebrate and recognise the invaluable contribution of carers and families.
 
SESIH Area Family and Carer Program Coordinator, Toni Garretty, said carers may be friends, relatives, work colleagues or neighbours who support someone with a mental illness. The health service recognises their need for access to information and education so they are better equipped for their role, providing a more positive outcome for the person with a mental illness.
 
"By supporting carers and providing them with relevant information tailored to their needs, it is possible to achieve improved assessment, treatment and care for people with a mental illness, along with improved coping skills and increased understanding of the mental illness," Ms Garretty said.
 
"While caring for someone with a mental illness can bring many positive experiences, it can also be very challenging, and carers need a range of different supports in fulfilling their role," she said.
 
Events will be held across three SESIH locations during Carers Week with each providing carers with an opportunity to participate in a day entirely focused on them.
 
"The Family and Carer Program team from mental health, Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Service and our non-government organisation partner Carers NSW will provide people with mental health resources, education on recognising emotions and the importance of self care," Ms Garretty said.
 
Ms Garretty said that the events would also provide fantastic entertainment, lots of fun, delicious food and an opportunity for carers to meet with others who are in similar circumstances. 
 
Carer functions will be held:

  • Wollongong Golf Club (Corrimal St Wollongong) – Monday 20 October 10am - 3:30pm.  Call 4220 7900 by 13 October. Bookings essential.
  • St George Leagues Club (Princes Highway, Kogarah) – Thursday 23 October 10am - 3:30pm. Call 1800 059059 by 13 October. Bookings essential.
  • The Magnolia Healing Centre (Cnr Dover Rd & Old South Head, Rose Bay) – Friday 24 October – 12 noon – 4pm. Call 1800 059059 by 13 October. Bookings essential.

 

Print this page Reduce font size Increase font size