- 748,000 people in NSW are Carers representing 11% of the population
- 72% of primary Carers are women
- Caring tends to be a long term commitment
- Over half of primary Carers provide at least 20 hours of care per week
GWAHS Celebrates Carers Week 19 - 25 October
13 October 2008The Greater Western Area will acknowledge the tireless effort of local carers during Carers Week this October.
Carers Week is an annual event, and is held to raise awareness and recognise the wonderful work and tireless effort of Carers throughout Australia.
The Greater Western Area Health Service has planned several free activities during the week.
The theme for this year is 'because we care', and without Carers caring, people of all ages who have an illness or disability and require additional support, would face many difficulties in their daily lives.
The national ABS Survey of Disability Ageing and Carers found that in NSW:
GWAHS Carer Support Officer Stacy Whiley said carers play a valuable role in our community.
"Carers Week is a way of saying thank you to carers, whilst continuing to promote carer recognition and raise awareness."
A partnership of service providers from the Orange area have organised a day for all carers, Carers Day Out.
It is being held on Wednesday 22 October 2008 at Bloomfield Campus, Orange, and will include guest speakers, entertainment, interactive workshops and activities and a BBQ lunch.
Guest speakers include Mary Lou Carter a carer of a child with a disability and a great advocate and member of the Carers Alliance.
"Mary will speak about her caring role and why she thought it valuable to raise the profile of Carers and the issues that they face at a political level. Noel Trevakis, who has suffered from depression, will also speak about his experience and the impact of his illness upon his family," said Ms Whiley.
Another activity planned is a free Mental Health First Aid course on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th October in Orange, at the Ex Services Club, targeting Carers of a person with a mental illness.
If you would like further details or are interested in attending a Carers Week activity contact Stacy Whiley on 6363 8030.
- Support Numbers
- Mental Health Support
- Drug & Alcohol Helpline
- Cannabis HelpLine
- On-call Sexual
Assault Service - DoCS Helpline
- Transport for Health (IPTAAS)
- NSW Health Care Interpreter Service
1800 011 511
1300 887 000
1300 663 433
1800 823 040
13 36 27
Central West
1800 601 324
Far West
08 808 01433
1800 674 994