Carers Vic Australia

Help us set the scene for a better future

Carers Victoria is hosting a series of focus groups that will help shape policy, programs and advice for carers in Victoria. We value your insights and lived experience and want to hear from you.

Current carers are invited to join a focus group and share your experiences.

Participants will be paid $75 for their involvement in one session.

What is involved?

Participating in one of our focus groups will involve confidentially discussing:

  • your experiences as a carer
  • what has changed for you over the past year
  • your hopes for the future
  • any challenges or barriers you are experiencing.

When will the focus groups take place?

  • Session 1: 10–11am on 13 December: online
  • Session 2: 2–3pm on 14 December: online
  • Session 3: 10–11am on 11 January: in person at Melbourne CBD location
  • Session 4: 2–3pm on 12 January: in person at Melbourne CBD location

    Why do we need your insights?

    Over the past four years, much has changed that has shaped the experiences and context in which carers undertake their role.

    By sharing your experiences, you will help us shape policy, programs and support structures to address the needs and challenges of Victoria’s carers.

    Please express your interest in participating by clicking on the link below and providing your name, contact details and preferred session.

    https://www.carersvictoria.org.au/our-impact/focus-group-expression-of-interest-form

     

     

BreakThrough Family Sessions November and December 2020

Register now for sessions in November and December

Since 2015, this unique program has helped family members across Victoria better understand drug use, improve communication and wellbeing, and access appropriate support networks. BreakThrough offers practical strategies and provides an opportunity for family members to connect and learn from each other.

BreakThrough sessions are free and go for 1 hour. Facilitators present on a particular topic and encourage discussion and Q&A.

It’s important to note that BreakThrough is an education program and while each session includes group discussion about a particular topic or theme, people requiring more intensive support in relation to their own circumstances are strongly encouraged to contact Family Drug and Gambling Help on 1300 660 068 to speak to a trained volunteer with personal experience of a loved one’s drug use.

ONLINE SESSIONS

Wednesday 16 November
7-8pm
Dual Diagnosis (Alcohol & Other Drugs/Mental Health)
Special event

Tuesday 22 November
12 – 2pm
Families Understanding Addiction – Bendigo

Wednesday 30 November
7-8pm
How to practice self care
Special event

Wednesday 7 December
7-8pm
Dealing with drama: How to minimise conflict over the holiday season
Special event

Participants are welcome to join any or all of the sessions by registering via the links provided or the BreakThrough website: www.breakthroughforfamilies.com/attend

Contact Glenn Hunter on ghunter@sharc.org.au with any queries.

BreakThrough is a partnership between Turning Point and Family Drug and Gambling Help at Self-Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC) and is funded by the Victorian Department of Health.

www.breakthroughforfamilies.com

Inner South Family and Friends end of year Dinner 13 December 2022

END-OF-YEAR DINNER: 6.30 PM TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER
at the Beachcomber Cafe, 10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda, next to the St Kilda Baths There is good public transport to Jacka Blvd, with tram stop almost at the door.  Parking is expensive but if you arrive early you may find free parking in side streets entered from Acland Street and heading to the beach.

 

Our 2021 dinner at Beachcombers occurred at a very difficult time due to Covid, lockdown and staff shortages. To compensate, this year we will enjoy a lavish banquet.

Alcohol can be purchased at your own expense
Donation: Pensioners $13, Non-pensioners $26 Seating is limited, bookings will be taken in order of receipt and must be received by Tuesday 6 December

To book:

1.     deposit to Westpac ISFAF Community One Account BSB 033-169  Account No: 2583072.     2.     make sure your deposit shows your name
3.     email isfaf@alfred.org.au with proof of booking
4.     include any special dietary needs in your email
5.     expect a confirmation via email. If you don’t receive a confirmation by 5 pm Wednesday 7 December, please email judi.burstyner@gmail.com

Other Social Events
Beach walk ‘n chat on 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month
We generally start at 1pm from Northpoint Cafe, Brighton Beach (end of North Road).  Those who wish to join the walkers for a chat can meet up at Northpoint Cafe at 2.15pm.  Family members including canines are very welcome.
It is essential that you phone 0425 723 746 on the morning of the walk to book and to confirm as the time may vary.

2022-2023 Walk ‘n Chat Dates
Thursday 1 and 15 December
Thursday 5 and 29 January

Please don’t forget to check our website regularly for current updates http://ispaf.org/
We wish to thank Alfred Mental and Addiction Health for their generosity in subsidizing our End of Year Dinner.
We wish to thank Alfred Health Carer Services for their generosity in providing us with a drink at Northpoint Café as part of our Walk ‘n Chat Programme.

Please phone Judi on 0425 723 746 or Eleni on 0412 018 722 if you have difficulty in accessing any meetings or would like information or just need to chat to someone

International Day for people with a disability celebration 2022

Hi all,

Just a reminder to everyone Glen Eira Council has three fabulous events for International Day for people with a disability celebration.
All events are free and open to all.

1) Disability Awareness Training session for the community on 30 November @ 12pm at Caulfield Pavilion
2) Defiant Lives- the film showing at the Classic Cinema on 1 December with a Q&A session afterwards. Starts at 6pm
3) Come & Try Day at Glen Eira Sports & Aquatic Centre, 7 December from 10-1pm.

Share this information with anyone you think would like to know.
Thanks

Leonie Cleary
Access & Inclusion Officer

See City of Glen Eira website for details: https://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/our-city/whats-on?page=4

Tandem eNews edition 187 – 2 November 2022

Dear members and supporters

The Tandem Awards nominations closing date is now 18 November 2022!
We have received some excellent nominations so far and are eager to hear more on the incredible work happening in the community. But hurry! You have just over two weeks to nominate a person, service or program for a Tandem award.

Nominate a person or service who has significantly improved the experience of families, carers or supporters of people who use the mental health and wellbeing system in Victoria. Nominate via our website today.

Do you need assistance filling out the nomination form? Give the Tandem Admin team a call on (03) 8803 5555 – they are happy to fill out a form for you.

The Awards ceremony will be held on 8 December 2022. All nominees and those who nominate them will be invited to the ceremony. Award winners will receive an award and a gift voucher.

Flood Recovery

As rain continues, please remember that there is support available to flood affected members of our community. As well as financial support packages, the Victorian Government has provided additional funding for mental health support through Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs in affected areas. Visit the Government’s Flood Recovery website or call the Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 for help with:

  • a range of clean-up services
  • finding somewhere to stay
  • financial, mental health and other support.

The recovery hotline is open from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm every day. Press 9 for an interpreter.

Please remember that the Carer Support Fund is available and could be of service during this time. Our Support and Referral line is also available if you need someone to talk to. Call 1800 314 325 from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

You can access the complete edition of Tandem eNews via the link below:

Tandem eNews 187

 

In this eNews edition

      • Introduction 
      • Introducing new Tandem staff
      • The Disability Inclusion Bill 
      • Collaborative Centre Lived Experience Advisory Panel 
      • New mental health statewide trauma service
      • Sites unveiled for new youth mental health facilities
      • Participate in Victoria’s first ever statewide Wellbeing Plan
      • New regional incentive program for mental health workforce
      • NDIS training: How to navigate the NDIS
      • Victoria Eating Disorders Strategy survey closing soon
      • What does good value in mental healthcare mean to you? Research survey
      • MHV workforce lived experience grants
      • Making Connections – Culturally and linguistically diverse communities online forum
      • Discovery College November Courses 
      • Learning More About BPD: A Workshop for Families & Friends 
      • Carers Victoria workshop: Who supports the carers?
      • Little Dreamers: Young Carers Story Club book
      • Carer lived experience job opportunities 
      • What’s on in your region? 
      • Tandem Support & Referral Line
      • Other Mental Health Helplines and Webchats
      • Join the Tandem Family

Discovery College November courses

Discovery College November courses

 

Discovery College has some new free courses starting this November.

Anxious Feeling
Attend a course that explores anxiety and anxious feelings. Stories from people who have experienced anxiety will be shared, including stories from people who have cared for someone with anxiety. Some tools and skills on how to manage anxiety will also be explored. Register to attend.

When: 11:00am – 1:00pm 7 November.

Where: Online.

What is a diagnosis?
A youth panel will explore different perspectives around a diagnosis, how a diagnosis is made, and the different cultural perspectives around diagnosis. Register to attend.


When: 1:00pm – 3:00pm 14 November.
Where: Online.

Carers Victoria National Carers Week 16-22 October 2022

 

National Carers Week, celebrated from 16–22 October 2022, is a time for all Australians to recognise and celebrate the important contributions the 2.65 million unpaid carers make to their families and our community.

Welcome to
National Carers Week!

More than 700,000 Victorians perform a vital role in our community by providing unpaid care for a family member or friend who needs support due to disability, mental illness or significant health or age-related issues. That number is predicted to soar to one million carers by 2025.

This year, Carers Victoria reaches its 30th anniversary, and to celebrate we are sharing carer stories that highlight the diversity of the caring experience. Help us raise awareness of the extraordinary contribution of carers by sharing their stories from our campaign. Don’t forget to tag @CarersVictoria, #Carers2022 #MillionsOfReasonsToCare #CarersCountToo

Visit the Carers Victoria website to learn more about the events happening around Victoria this week.
Find out more about National Carers Week

Update from Mental Health Australia 14 October 2022

To read the complete update click on the link below:
View mailing in browser

 

Self-check in infographic
As part of the Mind Your Health wellbeing initiative launched by SBS this October, the Embrace Project in collaboration with SBS has adapted a self-check in infographic that sets out six questions for an individual to reflect on when assessing their own health and wellbeing.

Ruth Das, Embrace Project Lead – Partnerships and Engagement spoke to SBS about the specific aspects that an individual should consider when answering each question in the self-check-in. You can check out the article here.To find out more information and access articles, podcasts and videos in English and in a number of languages visit here.

The Embrace Project would like to say a special thanks to SBS, Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health and the Embrace Lived Experience Group.

The Voice – Carers Victoria

Welcome to
The Voice October
It’s our favourite time of year! National Carers Week is fast approaching and runs from 16 to 22 October. It is a time for all Australians to recognise and celebrate the important contributions the 2.65 million unpaid carers make to their families and our community. See our events page for all the ways you can get involved.

National Carers Week is also the perfect time to join our advocacy campaign in the lead-up to the Victorian State Election. You could invite a political candidate to your National Carers Week event, post about carers on social media or set up a meeting with your local state member of parliament. Click here for all the advice and resources you will need.

We also have new sessions available for carers to register for our popular Carer Wellbeing and Connection program, with some exclusively available for men. Scroll down to find out more.

Happy reading
The Carers Victoria Team