Good News Story – A Retreat for Carers

For carers, who are often busy taking care of others, it can be a struggle for them to find time for themselves. Our Carer Gateway team recently organised a carers retreat in Wollongong, led by our culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and mental health specialist Snow. This retreat was a way for carers to connect and take time off their caring role.

It was a special experience for our carers – being looked after and having time to take care of themselves even for just one weekend was an immense relief. It was evident that this became a running theme over the retreat. We think the feedback from Hideki, who is the Chair of the Northside CALD Carers Network support group, speaks for itself.

With much praise to Snow, who delivered informative workshops both in English and Mandarin, Hideki acknowledged how successful the sessions were in “healing and enhancing the mental wellbeing of carer participants.”

Hideki further complimented that the carers “spontaneously wanted to support each other without any efforts from outside. They looked very relaxed and peaceful in their own ways by having full rest, deepening friendships, and attending various group events.”

By the end of the retreat, the carers left with deep, supportive friendships and more awareness of how important it is to take care of themselves.

“From my lived experience organising many events, the carers retreat is definitely one of the best ways to help effectively heal, and enhance and maintain carers wellbeing. I believe it exactly meets the essential purpose of Carer Gateway,” says Hideki.

The Carer Gateway is a program that provides in-person, phone and online services and support to carers. This includes peer support, counselling and opportunities for retreats such as the one above.

For more information or to get connected, you can call our team on 1800 422 737 between 8am – 5pm Monday – Friday or visit http://www.carergateway.gov.au