Program to help care for carers in Western Sydney

Caring for carers is a vital, yet at times underfunded service in many communities. However, nib foundation announced today it is lending its support to one such program that provides support for volunteer carers of people living with HIV/AIDS in Western Sydney.

The funding will allow The Western Suburbs Haven to host a two-night camp for approximately 20 volunteer carers from the Blacktown, Parramatta, Liverpool and Penrith areas this weekend.

The Haven’s program manager, Colleen Logan, said the organisation relies heavily on the support of volunteer carers with the program providing a chance to give something back to them and also better equip the carers to undertake their role.

“Our volunteers provide a wonderful service in what can be a demanding and at times isolating environment,” Ms Logan said.

“It’s important when undertaking their role though, that our carers don’t lose sight of their own health and wellbeing needs.

“The residential camps will provide our carers with some respite from their role and a chance to bond as a group and support each other. It’s also a chance for them to focus on their own needs as carers, which in turn will allow them to better cater to the needs of who they are caring for,” she added.

The camp will also see participants take part in a range of team building activities, as well as refresher training and education on changes and updates on HIV/ AIDS that better equips them to undertake their vital role.

nib foundation Chairman, Keith Lynch, said providing support for carers is the cornerstone of the foundation’s charter.

“Carers are a truly remarkable group of people who work tirelessly for the sole purpose of providing a better life for some of our community’s most vulnerable people.

“nib foundation is proud to fund another wonderful organisation that is committed to supporting their volunteers to allow them to become better carers while also maintaining their own positive health and wellbeing,” Mr Lynch said.