Carer Gateway opens hub doors to community

In recognition of Women's Health Week, selectability highlighting the important role many females play in providing unpaid care to friends and loved ones.

selectability's Carer Gateway team opened their doors to a “Carer Hub” – a safe place where unpaid carers can drop in for a cuppa, chat and rest & recharge - with a strong female attendance. 

Many don’t view themselves as carers, but simply see themselves as ‘doing a bit extra’ for someone they care about’.

Nationally, 12.9% of all females are currently providing unpaid care to a family member or loved one.

The growth the Carer Gateway program has experienced over the past 2.5 years has come from supporting approximately 30 carers per month, to now over 250.  Again, the majority of who arefemale.

Carer Coordinator Kathryn Konidis was pleased to advise over 30 carers attended Tuesday's open day, with the full team having relaxed, informal conversations with carers to explore their needs, some of the barriers they face in their caring role and the opportunity to provide carers an overview of how and what they could receive in free services from the program.

“The team has definitely done a lot of work to achieve a successful opening and to finally have a dedicated safe space for carers.  Everyone is excited for the next chapter of Carer Gateway,” said Kathryn.

“Many people aren’t aware that free support is available, how to connect in or where they can go. 

An important aspect of educating other service providers and our community is by providing information sessions by our engagement officer, Taylor-Anne Payet”.

Taylor-Anne said when they visited service providers and stakeholders, or various departments at our health services even at local schools and GP clinics, the lack of awareness was high. 

"Once we explain the program, and share some of our good news stories from our carers, the mindset certainly shifts and they start talking about their own clients that the program could potentially benefit," said Taylor-Anne.  

"This awareness piece is vital to reach out to as many carers as we can.  Such a fulfilling, meaningful role – we get to make a difference!  Now that we have a physical space dedicated for carers is certainly another positive step.”

“There has been a large increase in carers in the last year alone, it is important that they are aware we exist, and with this week being Women’s Health Week, it is worth acknowledging the number of females that are primary caregivers to their loved ones too."

Currently in Australia, there are more than 4 times as many middle aged female primary caregivers compared to males.

On top of this, 70% of young carers are likely to be female.

“The growth of the Carer Gateway program aims to help more carers over time.”

Taylor-Anne  said the reception toward the new Carer Hub had been extremely positive.

“We were able to engage with a lot of stakeholders who expressed how comforting the space was, and understand the services we provide” said Taylor-Anne.

“A lot of our carers who we support both over the phone and in person were able to get a feel of the space and take part in a few of the activities we have on offer."

“Things like painting, crafts, gardening, all within a space that is comforting and supportive.

“A very fulfilling day, certainly makes me pretty excited for what is to come.”

As a Carer Gateway consortia partner, selectability provides a range of free services to all carers - whether it is someone caring for a family member or friend with a disability, a medical or mental health condition, someone who is frail due to age or with a terminal or chronic illness.

You can find more information or get in touch with the team HERE