Caring for Our Carers: National Carers Week Morning Tea
On Thursday, 8 October, we hosted a special Carers Morning Tea, made possible through funding from the Department of Communities and Justice: NSW National Carers Week Grants program.
While National Carers Week officially runs from Sunday, 11 October to Saturday, 17 October, our event provided an early opportunity to celebrate and thank the many carers in our community who give so much of themselves in supporting family members and friends.
Anyone can become a carer at any time. Right now, more than three million Australians provide unpaid care to a family member, friend or loved one. This year’s National Carers Week theme, “Care for a Carer: Making Carers Visible“, highlights the invaluable contribution of unpaid carers and encourages all Australians to recognise, support and care for the carers in their families, workplaces and communities. This was exactly what we hoped to achieve through our morning together.
Guests enjoyed a delicious high tea and were seated at round tables, encouraging conversation, connection and the sharing of experiences. Our aim was simple: to create an opportunity for carers to take some time for themselves, connect with others who understand the caring role, and feel valued for all that they do.
We were honoured to welcome Ruth Boydell from the Carers NSW Representative Program as our guest speaker. Ruth generously shared her own experiences as a carer, speaking openly about the highs and lows of the journey. Her honest reflections, practical self-care strategies and encouragement resonated deeply with those in attendance.
We were also delighted to be joined by Jenny Aitchison MP, who shared a heartfelt message with guests. Jenny acknowledged and reminded the carers present that they “are seen“. Her words reflected a genuine understanding of the complexities, challenges and depth of the caring role, providing meaningful recognition for those in the room.
Keiko Clements from Carer Gateway NSW also joined us, providing valuable information about the supports and services available to carers and guidance on how to access assistance.
To conclude the morning, guests participated in a beautiful sound therapy session led by Kristy Wood, a Holistic Remedial Therapist from Awaken to Wellness in Maitland. The experience was peaceful, calming and deeply relaxing. As the sounds filled the room, a sense of stillness settled over the group, allowing carers the rare opportunity to pause, breathe and simply be present. Sharing this experience together made it all the more special.
Each guest received a pamper pack as a small token of appreciation, recognising the care, compassion and commitment they provide every day.
A heartfelt thank you to all the carers and volunteer carers who were able to step away from their caring responsibilities and join us. We hope the morning provided an opportunity to feel appreciated, supported and connected with others.
If you are a carer and would like to explore available supports, we encourage you to contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 or visit www.carergateway.gov.au. You can also reach out to Carers NSW for information, advocacy and resources designed specifically for carers.
