A CARER support group in McCrae is part of a state government-financed project being rolled out across Victoria.
Pathways for Carers Victoria, supported by Interchange Outer East, is establishing carer support groups in municipalities across the state to support unpaid carers.
There are about 20 groups so far and project manager Michelle Willoughby hopes more will be formed as word spreads among carers.
“Pathways for Carers is for unpaid carers of a loved one who is an elderly person, has a disability or mental health issue,” she said.
“We understand that caring for a loved one can be an isolating and difficult path to navigate.
“Our carer support groups provide participants with an opportunity to socialise and connect with nature as well as learn more about news, services, and support available to them.”
Willoughby said the McCrae-based group is run by lead carers with support from Virginia Richardson at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
She said the premise was “simple yet effective”.
“These carer support groups meet once a month for a walk followed by complimentary morning tea with a guest speaker who provides informal information about services relevant to carers and the local community,” she said.
Carers who participate in the groups are defined as unpaid and caring for a loved one with a disability, mental illness or an elderly person. The goal of each group is to provide carers with peer-based support, information, services and resources, opportunities to be active and connect with other carers, connect with nature and connect with their local community.
First published in the Mornington News – 26 July 2022
