Good News Story – Mental Health Respite Program for Carers

With our current environment changing daily, it’s also a good time to pause, reflect and celebrate happy memories. This has been the theme for our Mental Health Respite program, which has been delivering recreational activities that aim to create a social space for carers to connect and feel less isolated. Our team have organised a variety of programs including:

• Art for Carers & Clients
• Carer Choir
• Carers Dance & Movement classes
• Male Carer group catch-up
• 6 week Better Life for Carers course
• 8 week Mindfulness Course

Here are some beautiful quotes from some of our carers and clients attending these classes, courses and activities.

“Sometimes one or more of us can feel sensitive due to what is going on in our lives. Self-esteem may be at a low point at different times and I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to be able to share our feelings with each other in a nonjudgmental supported environment.”
– Anne*

“I have developed warm and supportive friendships through the group and learnt new skills which have boosted both my self-esteem and mood. Talking to people in the Your Side team each week is also very supportive, as well as hearing about services that may help me in my caring role.”
– Sarah*

We feel so happy to know that our program has helped people form meaningful friendships! It also warms us to know that our Male Carer group has had similar experiences. This group has been meeting up for over 5 years. AMAZING!

“I really look forward to meeting up with other male carers who are experiencing similar challenges in life and having the opportunity to sit and enjoy each other’s company over lunch and coffee.”
– Sam*

The enthusiasm of our incredible carers has not changed even with social distance restrictions. They have continued classes via Zoom thanks to our team quickly transitioning to online services.

With the new launch of Carers Gateway, unfortunately, these programs will wrap up by May 30th. Good things may come to an end but that also means new beginnings and exciting new opportunities!

*Names have been changed for privacy purposes.

MOVING FORWARD PLEASE ACCESS THE CARER GATEWAY

Are you one of Australia’s 2.65million carers? Carer Gateway can reduce your stress and support you on your caring journey.

Carers can now access new dedicated services and supports to help you manage daily challenges, improve your health and wellbeing and plan for the future.

These include:

• Counselling
• Coaching
• Peer support
• Emergency respite
• Carer-directed funding packages

You can call our team on 1800 422 737 between 8am – 5pm Monday – Friday or visit
www.carergateway.gov.au

SOME PROGRAMS WILL ALSO TRANSITIONING INTO SOCIAL SUPPORT

At Your Side, we want to offer our clients as much support as possible and we understand how valuable it is to feel connected. As such, our team has continued to innovate and transition some of those previous classes into our Social Support program for those eligible.

After May 30th the following classes will transition into Social Support:

• Art for Carers
• Carer Choir
• Male Carer group
• Gentle Exercise Class
• Dance Class
• Tuesday Lunch at the Dougherty Centre (commencement to be advised due to Covid-19 restrictions)

To find out more information call 1300 134 332 and ask to speak to Jennifer.